Former Georgia football running back James Cook has quickly become one of the top running backs in the NFL. Cook has become one of the best backs in just three short seasons with the Buffalo Bills, but after the 2024 season Cook went looking for a contract extension to secure his future with the team.
This request from Cook came all the way back in February where he originally asked to be paid $15 million per year. That was an amount Buffalo was unwilling to pay him, so negotiations ensued for the rest of the offseason as the two sides looked to get a deal done before the 2025 season began.
And that deal was officially signed Wednesday morning, according to Ian Rapoport.
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— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 13, 2025
The #Bills have agreed to terms on a big new contract for Pro Bowl RB James Cook, agent Zac Hiller of @LAASportsEnt tells me and @TomPelissero.
It’s a 4-year, $48M deal with $30 guaranteed, locking in another young star in Buffalo for years to come. pic.twitter.com/7fNXjkVsLw
James Cook will remain in Buffalo after latest contract extension
According to the above report, Cook has signed a four-year contract extension with the Bills worth $48 million. This inlcudes $30 million of guaranteed money for Cook in this deal.
As mentioned, Cook has quickly become one of the top running backs in the NFL. His rookie season in 2022 wasn't anything to write home about, but he found a lot of success during his second and third seasons in the league. This includes rushing for over 1,000 yards in both season.
Cook however struggled to find the end zone during his first two seasons with Buffalo as he only scored a combined four rushing touchdowns. That however changed last season where Cook rushed for a whopping 16 touchdowns.
Cook did not get the $15 million annual deal he was looking for, but that request never stood much of a chance to actually happen. That more than likely was a bargaining tactic to help him get a new deal signed, and thankfully that happened on Wednesday morning before the 2025 season begins.