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NFL legend doesn't mince words about Buffalo Bills RB James Cook

This Hall of Fame running back knows about being a complete back in the NFL and didn't hesitate with his opinion on Bills' James Cook.
Brian Letscher|
NFL Hall of Fame player Marshall Faulk during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game-Enshrinees' Gold Jacket Dinner.
NFL Hall of Fame player Marshall Faulk during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game-Enshrinees' Gold Jacket Dinner. | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

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As the NFL turns to free agency and the draft, with teams sorting out their potential roster and salary cap situation, another big piece of the puzzle is contract extensions for over-performing players on their rookie deals. Enter Buffalo running back, James Cook.

After an excellent season, one that saw Cook pile up over 1200 yards of offense and 18 touchdowns, and go to his second straight Pro Bowl, the third year player surprised fans and the Bills alike when he took to social media to set his asking price on an extension.

RELATED: Bills Pro Bowl RB James Cook hints at range of salary he expects in contract extension

One man who certainly understands the importance of the running back position -- and has been outspoken on its value -- is former Rams Super Bowl Champ and MVP, Marshall Faulk. Faulk made an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show on Friday and was asked, point blank, "If you're the Bills, do you pay [Cook]?"

"You're damn right." Faulk said,"I don't see how not... this young man is special. What he's able to do and I didn't know that he had the ability to run inside, behind his pads, with the power he displayed in playoff football caliber games. I was just impressed with him...the intelligence, understanding the game -- it's next level. Next level."

For the past several years, the value of running backs in the NFL has seemed to be on the decline. This past season, however, definitely turned that perception around with the high-profile success of Saquon Barkley and other big-time backs such as the Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs and Rams' Kyren Williams -- all on the heels of the 49er's Christian McCaffrey's massive 2023 season and payday.

Saquon Barkley
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates after scoring a touchdown. | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

While Cooks' rookie deal has him making $5,265,000 in 2025, his value according to Spotrac is closer to $10.2 million per year. Bills GM Brandon Beane has some tough decisions ahead as the organization looks to fill a few roster holes this offseason in hopes of finally advancing to the Super Bowl. If it were up to Faulk, the first thing Beane should do is pay Cook.

James Cook
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) smiles after running into the end zone for a touchdown. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Brian Letscher
BRIAN LETSCHER

A Michigan native, Brian graduated from the University of Michigan in another century, where he earned a degree in economics and a Rose Bowl Championship ring while playing football for the Wolverines under Head Coach Gary Moeller. Brian went on to coach Division 1A football for several years before becoming a full-time writer and actor while maintaining an unhealthy interest in sports. He is currently developing a scripted television series, THOSE WHO STAY, based on a series of historical fiction articles he wrote about Bo Schembechler's Michigan football program as they struggle to unite and win the championship - which requires beating #1 Ohio State - during the tumultuous civil rights and anti-war movements of 1969.

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