James Cook Signs Four-Year Extension, Dion Dawkins Climbs NFL Top 100 as Bills Secure Key Core

The Buffalo Bills are making it clear — they’re locking in the pieces they believe can bring a Lombardi Trophy to Western New York. On Tuesday, the team announced a four-year contract extension for rising star running back James Cook, keeping one of their most dynamic offensive weapons in Buffalo through the 2028 season.

Cook, entering his third year, has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s most versatile young backs. Last season, he posted over 1,500 all-purpose yards and proved he could be both a home-run threat in the run game and a reliable target in the passing attack. His ability to create mismatches out of the backfield has made him a vital part of the Bills’ offensive identity, and the front office clearly wasn’t willing to risk losing him to free agency.

“Buffalo believed in me from day one, and I want to help bring this city a championship,” Cook said in the team’s official release. “We’re just getting started.”

The good news didn’t stop there for Bills fans. Veteran left tackle Dion Dawkins, a locker room leader and cornerstone of the offensive line, climbed the NFL Top 100 Players list this offseason — a recognition voted on by his peers. Known for his consistency, durability, and charisma, Dawkins has been one of Josh Allen’s most trusted protectors, anchoring a line that’s kept the franchise quarterback upright during some of the team’s biggest moments.

General manager Brandon Beane emphasized that securing both young talent and veteran leadership is part of the team’s championship blueprint. “You win in this league by building a core that’s not only talented, but also committed to the team and the city,” Beane said. “James and Dion embody that perfectly.”

With the AFC East race shaping up to be one of the NFL’s toughest, Buffalo’s latest moves send a message: the Bills are all-in, building around a balanced roster that blends explosive skill players with trench warriors. If Cook continues his ascent and Dawkins maintains his elite level of play, Buffalo’s window to win it all could be wide open.