BREAKING NEWS:Bills Lock Up James Cook with Four‑Year, \$48 Million  Featuring \$30 Million in Guarantees

In a pivotal move to solidify their backfield, the Buffalo Bills and star running back James Cook have agreed to a

four‑year, \$48 million contract extension, including a hefty \$30 million guaranteed. The Extension greement, officially reached on Augu, concludes weeks of impasse and uncertainty around Cook’s contractual future.

Cook’s return to the fold began subtly—he had been sitting out of practice amid a “business”-related hold-in, missing Buffalo’s first preseason game. While he suited up for warmups, his serious return came only on August 12, when he fully rejoined Bills practice sessions following a period of silent negotiation. His return paved the way for negotiations to wrap up swiftly.

With the extension now in place, Cook is under contract through the 2029 season*. The deal places him among the upper tier of NFL running backs, now ranking as the seventh-highest paid RB by average new money per season.

Cook has been a force in Buffalo’s offense over the past two seasons. The 25-year-old** has earned two consecutive Pro Bowl selections and delivered consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. In 2024 alone, he tied O.J. Simpson’s team record with 16 rushing touchdowns** and was among the league leaders in both touchdowns and efficiency.

The guaranteed money—\$30 million—marks one of the most significant guarantees ever for a running back, especially within the past several years. This financial security addresses much of the hold-in drama and ensures Cook’s prime years will be spent in Buffalo.

Both sides expressed mutual satisfaction with the resolution. Cook’s agent, Zac Hiller, remarked, “James could only envision himself as a Buffalo Bill … we are extremely thankful to the entire Bills organization and glad we could make that happen.” Head coach Sean McDermott also noted that recent conversations had taken a positive direction, hinting at resolution before it was finalized.

With Cook now back on the field and fully committed, the Bills can turn attention away from contract drama and toward maximizing their offensive weapons as they prepare for a Super Bowl-worthy campaign.