Bills BREAKING As James Cook Signs 4-Year, $48 Million Contract To End Contract Dispute originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Buffalo Bills breakout star James Cook was cooperative to start training camp, participating in practice despite making it clear that he wants a new contract.
Things took a turn a week ago when he sat out unexpectedly. The third-year running back – who was set to make $5.7 million in the final year of his rookie contract – claimed “business” was what kept him sidelined.
It was a “hold-in” strategy we’ve grown accustomed to seeing around the league. However, this one is coming to an end with a new contract signed.
Cook early Wednesday is agreeing to a new four-year contract extension worth $48 million, with $30 million guaranteed, as first reported by NFL Network.
This follows good news from Tuesday, when Bills head coach Sean McDermott started his press conference saying Cook will be in action this week.
“He’s expected to practice today,” McDermott said.
“Things have changed and yes we have had good conversations. He is moving in the direction of practicing today.”
Cook’s standoff with the organization has seemed more cordial than complicated since his request for a raise. His agent, Zac Hiller, recently spoke about the 25-year-old ball-carrier’s desire to continue the his career in Buffalo.
“James Cook only wants to be a Buffalo Bill,” Hiller said last week. “This isn’t some $200M Micah Parsons-Jerry Jones negotiation. We’re hopeful there’s a resolution soon, and we’ll keep working toward that every day.”
With things progressing, we expected to see a new deal … though this falls a bit short of Cook’s initial asking price of $15 million APY.
Cook – who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last year – is an integral part of the Bills’ quest for their first Super Bowl appearance in over 30 years. Extending him is a crucial step in making that dream possible.
Now there is a major swing of momentum toward that dream.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.