BREAKING: James Cook’s Contract Uncertainty Sparks Stunning Selection in Latest Mock Draft
James Cook’s potential contract extension with the Buffalo Bills has been a major topic of discussion for the organization this offseason.
As negotiations drag on, speculation continues to grow about whether an agreement will be reached.
In a recent mock draft, the Bills are predicted to use their first-round pick, No. 30 overall, on a possible replacement for Cook.
Bills Select Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson at No. 30 Overall in Recent Mock Draft
Some may find the idea of the Bills using their first-round pick on a running back unlikely, but Ian Valentino of A to Z Sports believes Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson is a legitimate option for Buffalo at No. 30 overall. In his latest mock draft, Valentino projects the Bills to select Henderson as a potential replacement for James Cook.
Valentino explained, “Does Buffalo want to pay James Cook $15 million a year? While he’s a good back, they’d be better off trading him for a pick and replacing him with a rookie who will earn as much over the duration of his first deal. TreVeyon Henderson is an elite pass-blocker and explosive playmaker. There’s a decent shot he’ll be the best back in this class if he goes to the right situation, which Buffalo is.”
From a financial standpoint, Valentino’s reasoning makes sense. Instead of committing to a high-priced extension for Cook, the Bills could draft a talented back on a more cost-effective rookie contract.
Cook is coming off a career-best season, tallying 18 total touchdowns on just 239 touches while providing a consistent spark alongside league MVP Josh Allen. His efficiency improved as well, with his yards per carry rising from 4.73 in 2023 to 4.87 last season, despite 30 fewer carries due to the presence of Ray Davis and Ty Johnson in the rotation.
Henderson brings a strong physical profile and big-play potential, evidenced by his 48 touchdowns on 667 total touches at Ohio State. If Buffalo selects him in the first round, it could signal that a long-term deal with Cook is unlikely.
Should Bills Fans Expect James Cook to Receive a Contract Extension this Offseason?
James Cook’s contract situation is particularly interesting given that the Bills have already extended several other players this offseason, yet the talented running back remains without a new deal.
On a recent episode of the Fitz & Whit Podcast, Bills general manager Brandon Beane provided a rather lukewarm update on the negotiations, stating, “We’ve definitely had dialogue with those guys [Cook and CB Christian Benford]. That’s probably as far as I would take it.”
Beane elaborated further at the NFL Combine, emphasizing that while an extension hasn’t been reached yet, that doesn’t rule out a deal later in the offseason. “Just because we don’t get an extension done now, or before the start of the league year, doesn’t mean we won’t in the league year, or you guys have seen us do them in the summer as well,” Beane explained.
While the Bills still have time to negotiate a new contract for Cook, his situation remains one to watch closely as the NFL Draft approaches.