Bills' James Cook ranked among NFL players most deserving of significant pay raise

Not many will question whether James Cook has earned himself a raise. The questions is, how much?

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook rushes for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

In James Cook's first three NFL seasons, the Buffalo Bills' running back amassed 3,521 total yards and 27 touchdowns. He's also earned himself back-to-back Pro Bowl nods the last two seasons. Now, as Cook enters the final year of his rookie deal, valued at just $1.46 million average annual, he's looking for and deserving of a significant raise.

As an NFL Media writer, Tom Blair points out ranking Cook number eight on his top players who deserve a raise.

On Cook, Blair said, *Whether or not Cook gets what he's seeking or has to play out the final year of his rookie contract, he is indisputably deserving of a significant bump in pay."

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) reacts after rushing for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half in the AFC Championship Game | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Blair added, "Should he be vaulted to the upper reaches of running back pay rankings? I'm not sure, but I wouldn't sweat that question too much, given that the current ruler of the roost, Saguon Barkley, is not projected to count for more than 4.2% of the Eagles' cap spending in any of the next three seasons."

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What Blair is getting at is that regardless of what the Bills potentially re-sign Cook for will look like a bargain a few years from now. Blair makes a decent point here, as Cook is asking for $15 - $20 million annually, and would put him among the Top 5 highest-paid backs, but after three or four years, could only be top 10 - 15.

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook reacts to scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second half at Highmark Stadium. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The push back on that is that teams don't value the running back position the way they once did, and their average salaries aren't increasing nearly as quickly as other positions, such as quarterback or edge rushers. This is why the Bills should not pay Cook this level of money. They will need that money down the road, when it comes time to potentially hand out new contract extensions to guys like Max Hairston or Landon Jackson.

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