The biggest story surrounding the Buffalo Bills this offseason since their playoff exit has involved their rising star running back in James Cook, and not in the best way. Since the middle of last season, James’ older brother, Dalvin has been posting about how his younger brother deserves to get paid $20 million per year.
Since the end of the Bills’ season, James Cook has been vocal about his financial demands as well on social media. He is saying that he wants $15 million per year from the Bills and has double downed on those demands. Cook getting $15 million a year from the Bills would put him as the second highest paid running back in the league behind Christian McCaffrey.
With the Bills already extending wideout Khalil Shakir to a four-year deal worth up to $60 million, it will be interesting to see how Brandon Beane deals with Cook’s contract situation. Will he pay him? Or should he even pay him?
Bills’ GM delievers brutally honest message about paying James Cook
Brandon Beane spoke with the media today at the NFL combine and spoke about his feelings on the contract situation involving Cook. According to Jon Scott, Beane commented on how he would prefer to “keep the business inside”. Beane also made the statement “Just because we might not be on the same page now doesn’t mean we won’t be down the line.”
Brandon Beane on James Cook:
I love the dude… he speaks from the heart.
The business is the business. Would I prefer we keep the business inside? Yes.
Just because we might not be on same page now doesn’t mean we won’t be down the line.#Bills #NFLCombine
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) February 25, 2025
These comments from Beane show that he isn’t interested in talking publicly about the ongoing situation. However, him making the comment about being on the same page down the line is very interesting. Cook has already made it public what he wants and he doesn’t appear to be back down. Now it’s up to Beane to find a way to make his running back happy with those demands, a revised contract proposal, or even start to prepare for his departure after 2025.
Paying a running back $15 million is a lot, especially when it’s not Saquon Barkley who had a phenomenal first season with the Philadelphia Eagles. At the same time, Cook has a case to getting near the top market value with his production this past season. Rushing for his second consecutive season of 1,000+ yards and being tied for the most rushing touchdowns in the league is hard to ignore. Not to mention, he averaged 4.9 yards per carry despite not being a three-down back.
As we get more into the depths of the offseason, Bills fans will want to pay attention to see who blinks first. Will Cook get his money? Can both sides come to an agreement that benefits both? Or could we see Cook on his way out of Buffalo after next season? There are many questions regarding this situation that are going to need some answers.
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