Bills Trade Idea Hauls In Insurance For Pro Bowler In Contract Dispute

The Buffalo Bills are once again championship contenders, but at OTAs they were short a noticeable name, running back James Cook.

Although Cook did make it back in time for mandatory minicamp, there is no guarantee that his training camp participation will go as smoothly; as the pads start to come out the regular season draws nearer, and the risk of injury becomes greater.

With Albert Breer reporting that the two sides are far apart in contract negotiations, with the Bills seemingly remaining reluctant to extend the 2 x Pro Bowler prior to September, the Bills could have a stand-off situation on their hands with their franchise running back.

Buffalo Could Find James-Cook Insurance In The AFC South

So Buffalo perhaps should look to getting some insurance at the position, and one option could be the Atlanta Falcons‘ Tyler Algeier, who has remained the backup behind former 8th overall pick, Bijan Robinson, since Algeier’s sophomore season in 2023.

Algeier has remained productive despite his limited role, racking up at least 600 rushing yards in each of the past two season, despite Robinson taking the lion’s share of the touches.

In fact, even with the former Alabama star having a monster 1,400 yard, 300-carry season in 2024, Algeier still managed 644 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns for a 4.7 YPC.

And we have seen that in more full-time role, Algeier can also flourish, as he broke the 1,000 rushing yards threshold in 2022, generating 1,035 rushing yards for 4.9 yards per carry, in addition to 139 receiving yards with four total touchdowns.

Why Does This Trade Makes Sense For Both Parties?

Algeier would not be coming in to replace Cook – far from it. But given Cook’s rather lofty demands of $15 million/year, and the Bills continuing to play hardball, it is not unfathomable that Cook does not suit up for parts of training camp, and even perhaps starts making noise ahead of the start of the regular season.

If that happens, and he is unavailable or demanding a trade to another franchise willing to give him the contract he so desires, the Bills have very little left behind, as neither Ty Johnson nor second year pro, Ray Davis, looks to be ready to take on the bell-cow back role.

Algeier has experience as the starter, and if Cook does come back, he can remain the backup or 1b option.

And the fact that he has one year left on his deal – with a contract re-upping in Atlanta seeming unlikely, means that the Falcons could well be persuaded to part ways with him at their last opportunity to cash in on their solid investment.

Although they would miss their RB2, as long as Robinson stays healthy, he will not be needed a considerable amount. Plus, there are still numerous quality free agent running backs left on the market, like Gus Edwards and Jamaal Williams.

Buffalo Bills receive: Tyler Algeier, 2026 seventh round pick

Atlanta Falcons receive: 2026 fifth round pick