James Cook Cashes In — And Doubles Down: Bills’ RB Proves Worth Every Penny of New Deal

James Cook wanted a new deal this offseason—and he got it. It might have taken longer than expected, but the Bills’ running back finally landed a contract that reflects his impact on the field. At $12 million per year, the deal sparked debate—running backs are rarely paid big money these days—but Cook’s production makes the case for itself.

Back-to-back Pro Bowls and multiple 1,000-yard seasons in his first three years? That’s not just consistency—that’s elite.

Now, just three games into the 2025 season, Cook is already showing why Buffalo invested in him. With 284 rushing yards and four touchdowns, he’s running like a man on a mission.

Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady certainly sees it:

“You can feel the explosiveness once he gets through the hole. The vision, the acceleration—it’s all there. And what’s even more impressive is his mindset. Some players get paid and ease up. That’s not James. He’s taken his game to another level.”

And the film agrees. Cook’s ability to hit the hole, pick up chunk gains, and force defenses on their heels has set the tone for the entire offense.

Of course, credit also goes to Buffalo’s offensive line, which has quietly become one of the most dominant units in football. Their control at the line of scrimmage gives Cook the space to thrive—and keeps defenses guessing, opening opportunities for Josh Allen and the passing game.

In the last two contests, Cook has topped 100 rushing yards each time, logging at least 19 carries per game. That workload proves the coaching staff’s trust in him—and his success forces defenses to respect the run, making play-action even more lethal.

When you think of balanced offenses, teams like the Ravens come to mind. But Buffalo, with Cook leading the charge, is emerging as one of the most dangerous ground attacks in the league.

The best part? Even after signing his big deal, Cook hasn’t lost an ounce of hunger. He’s running like he still has something to prove. If this is the version of James Cook the NFL sees all season, the Bills may have found the perfect complement to Allen—and their X-factor in the hunt for a Super Bowl