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If the Buffalo Bills finally vanquish the Kansas City Chiefs and win their first Super Bowl in franchise history this season, the NFL-watching world will probably look back on all the notable moves they made this past offseason. The AFC East powerhouse signed Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore to strengthen their often unpredictable wide receiver room, gambled on an accomplished yet injury-prone pass-rusher in Joey Bosa and reunited with former All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White. But the team may have just made its most impactful decision of 2025.
Following talks and a training camp hold-in, the Bills and running back James Cook agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract extension last week that includes $30 million guaranteed. Since MVP quarterback Josh Allen boasts elite rushing ability and Buffalo rolls out one of the top offensive lines in the league, one might assume that the squad could get by without its starting RB. The fan base knows better, however.
When considering how reliant this offense is on its ground game, it is hard to overstate Cook’s value. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky dubbed the two-time Pro Bowler the second-most important member of the unit, a strong statement that is difficult to argue. Given the uncertainties that surround Allen, a consistently productive ball-carrier who can contribute out of the backfield and as a pass-catcher is certainly significant.
Cook is grateful to receive a firm commitment from the team that drafted him back in 2022. Despite his negotiation tactics, he maintained confidence that a deal would get done before opening kickoff.
“It means a lot just to be here in Buffalo,” the former second-round pick told sideline reporter Pam Oliver during Sunday’s 38-0 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears. “Just by the contract extension, it always feels good and is a blessing.”
James Cook averaged 4.9 yards per carry last season, accumulating 1,009 yards and tying Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs for the NFL lead in rushing touchdowns with 16. He also totaled 32 receptions fr 258 additional yards. While some Bills skills position players found themselves under scrutiny for their performance in the AFC Championship, the 25-year-old racked up 134 yards from scrimmage and scored two TDs.
How did James Cook stay positive during his contract negotiations with the Bills?
Pam Oliver caught up with the RB pic.twitter.com/LOfiZwVx7F
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) August 18, 2025
That is the type of player a team should want to keep happy, especially as Super Bowl pressure mounts with each big-game loss. Buffalo showed Cook exactly what he means to the organization. There were some bumps, but a full-blown contract dilemma never quite took shape. He held out faith during the lengthy process. Pam Oliver asked the Miami, Florida native how he stayed positive through everything.
“Just {by} knowing that it’s going to get done,” Cook said on the sidelines. “Being a good teammate, being there for my team still while...
