BREAKING: Bills’ McDermott Finally Reacts to James Cook Contract Negotiations
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is one of the NFL’s most impactful players, excelling in multiple facets of the game at an elite level. He is a top-tier passer, capable of making game-changing throws and leading Buffalo deep into the postseason. However, his impact isn’t limited to the air—Allen is also a dominant runner, the most physical quarterback in the league, and a major red-zone threat. His rushing ability is integral to Buffalo’s ground game, which ranked among the NFL’s best. Last season, he amassed 531 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while helping the Bills reach the AFC Championship Game.
That same rushing attack is set to benefit running back James Cook financially. Entering a contract year, Cook has positioned himself for a significant second contract, which may be his best opportunity to secure a lucrative deal. After a standout 2024 season, his desire to cash in is understandable. The question now is how committed Buffalo is to keeping him.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Bills head coach Sean McDermott addressed Cook’s contract situation but chose to focus on the running back’s growth and contributions. “When you’re a coach and you’re on the field with these players, and you’re in the meetings, and you’re watching them develop on the field, off the field,” McDermott said, via Alex Brasky. “He’s a great example of one of the joys that comes with coaching … To go on the field, this year in particular, and have the success that he experienced and how he helped our team, it’s just a great feeling as a coach to watch a young man do what he did.”
Cook had an outstanding 2024 season, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the second straight year and leading the league in rushing touchdowns in a season where running backs thrived. Even with Allen scoring double-digit rushing touchdowns, neither Saquon Barkley nor Derrick Henry matched Cook’s 16 scores.
Advanced metrics also highlighted Cook’s excellence. According to Sumer Sports, he ranked sixth among running backs in expected points added per rush, total expected points added, and yards per carry. He has cemented himself as a rising star, and Buffalo will need to compensate him accordingly to keep him on the roster.
“The business part is gonna take care of itself,” McDermott said. “Brandon (Beane) I know is on top of that and he will be on top of that moving forward.” While there’s still time to negotiate an extension, the Bills may benefit from addressing the situation early before Cook’s value rises even further in 2025.