The Buffalo Bills paid a lot of their homegrown stars this offseason. Khalil Shakir, Greg Rousseau, Terrel Bernard, and Christian Benford were all given four-year extensions, and Josh Allen was given the most guaranteed money in NFL history on his new extension.
One player that wasn't paid, though, was running back James Cook. The Pro Bowler led the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 16 in 2024, but the two sides couldn't come to an agreement on a deal. This has led to speculation on whether or not the Bills would consider trading the star running back. If they do, though, these are some exchanges that could make sense.
Chicago Bears
- Bills receive: 2026 fourth-round pick, RB D'Andre Swift
- Bears receive: RB James Cook
If the Bills were to trade Cook, they'd likely try to get a running back in return. Swift has proven to be a good starting running back when he has a good offensive line in front of him (see his 2023 season with the Eagles). Should the Bills be able to get Swift and a Day Three pick, that could be worth exploring.
Arizona Cardinals
- Bills receive: 2026 third-round pick
- Cardinals receive: RB James Cook, 2026 fifth-round pick
James Conner is entering Year Nine in his NFL career. And while he topped 1,000 yards in 2024, the Cardinals would benefit from him aging gracefully into a No. 2 option behind Cook to create their own form of LenDale White and Chris Johnson.
Washington Commanders
- Bills receive: 2026 third-round pick, 2026 sixth-round pick
- Commanders receive: RB James Cook, 2026 fourth-round pick
The Commanders are clearly going all in to take advantage of Jayden Daniels' rookie contract. They traded for Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and now they can get a high-caliber running back, as well. Cook leading the way in the backfield with Terry McLaurin and Samuel serving as Daniels' top targets would make the Commanders even more dangerous.
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Bills receive: 2026 third-round pick, RB Travis Etienne
- Jaguars receive: RB James Cook, 2026 seventh-round pick
Like Cook, Etienne has been centered around trade rumors for months. He had a down season in 2024, rushing for a career-low 558 yards as Tank Bigsby emerged as the top back in Jacksonville. He would fit in much better with the Bills than he did with the Jaguars a season ago, and he gets a fresh start while the Jaguars get an upgrade at running back behind Trevor Lawrence.
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