Buffalo Bills running back James Cook was arguably the team’s most consistent non-Josh Allen weapon last year and is entering the final year of his contract. Now looking for financial security after leading the league with 16 rushing touchdowns last year, the former second-round pick skipped voluntary OTAs while trying to negotiate a new contract. Unfortunately, those talks haven’t gone well. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the two sides were “never very close” to an extension, and nothing has changed since the start of offseason practices.
James Cook is a good player, but the Bills probably don’t have the financial luxury to spend big on a running back. Running back is one of the least important positions in football, and it’s hard to build a consistent winner with a high-priced running back and a top-dollar quarterback like Josh Allen. Allen is an elite quarterback and deserves every penny of his contract, but Buffalo can’t justify another market-level deal for a running back. Whether it’s a trade or letting him walk as a free agent, James Cook is probably not in the Bills long-term future and could land with the following teams.
James Cook, Bills Still Far Apart On Contract Talks – Trade Possible
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Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have the worst running back room in the NFL, and it’s not particularly close. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders are both past their primes, and those two will probably beat out fifth-round pick Jaydon Blue for touches. Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens should combine to form a great passing attack, but someone must step up in this backfield. James Cook could be the ideal choice for the job, especially if the Bills are willing to trade him before the season starts.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears tried to land their next star running back in the 2025 NFL Draft but ultimately came up short. Now, they should turn their attention to the trade market and see what the Bills would want for James Cook. D’Andre Swift had a rough first year in Chicago and struggled to play up to his abilities under Ben Johnson in Detroit. Johnson wants to win games on the ground, and Cook could provide a rushing threat to take pressure off former first-overall pick Caleb Williams.
Washington Commanders
Brian Robinson is a fine running back, but the former third-round pick is nothing special as a talent. Washington has franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels on a cost-controlled contract for the foreseeable future and, unlike the Bills, can afford to pay up for a luxury like James Cook. While he won’t single-handedly get this team to the Super Bowl, he could be the missing piece that helps take this organization to the next level after their impressive 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Buffalo Bills wouldn’t trade James Cook to a rival like the Chiefs, but perhaps he could sign there as a free agent. Isiah Pacheco is an adequate starter, but there is plenty of room for improvement. Andy Reid hasn’t featured a truly dangerous running back since the 2018 version of Kareem Hunt, and signing Cook could unlock another dangerous weapon in this offense.
