Negotiations between Bills and RB James Cook come to a halt
The Buffalo Bills have ceased negotiations with running back James Cook, who is requesting a contract extension worth $15 million annually.
\"I do not anticipate reaching an agreement in the near future. We are now focused on the draft. However, just because we do not reach a deal this year does not mean we cannot in the future before he becomes a free agent,\" stated general manager Brandon Beane at the NFL league meeting in Palm Beach, Florida.
A contract for $15 million per year would place Cook as the third highest-paid running back in the NFL, behind Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles ($20.6 million per year) and Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers ($19 million).
Cook is set to earn $5.3 million in the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. If he does not receive a new contract with Buffalo, he will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
At 25 years old, Cook was selected to the Pro Bowl and rushed for over 1,000 yards for the second consecutive season in 2024, leading the league with 16 rushing touchdowns.
Since being drafted in the second round in 2022, he has accumulated 2,638 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, as well as 97 receptions for 883 yards and seven touchdowns in 49 games.
