The resolution Bills coach Sean McDermott had been waiting for with running back James Cook finally arrived today. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Cook has agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract extension that includes $30 million fully guaranteed.
Per Spotrac, Cook's $30 million guaranteed places him behind only two players in guaranteed money among running backs: Philadelphia Eagles' Saquon Barkley, who holds the top spot with $36 million guaranteed and Las Vegas Raiders' Ashton Jeanty, with $35.8 million guaranteed.
This surpasses RBs like Jonathan Taylor ($26.5 million guaranteed), Derrick Henry ($24 million guaranteed) and Christian McCaffrey ($24 million guaranteed).
Last season, Cook led the Bills with 1,009 rushing yards and tied for the league lead with 16 rushing touchdowns.
Even with the holdout, Cook's future with the Bills was never in doubt. On Tuesday, he returned to practice and now he's signed a new contract extension.
"James could only envision himself as a Buffalo Bill," his agent Zac Hiller said. "We are extremely thankful to the entire Bills organization and glad we could make that happen."
Cook is a key player for Sean McDermott, lining up alongside star quarterback Josh Allen. With both sides agreeing to a deal that satisfies everyone, they can now fully focus on the 2025 season ahead.