After a months-long standoff, the Buffalo Bills and running back James Cook have agreed to terms on a four-year extension worth $48 million with $30 million in guaranteed money. That $48 million is a big number, both literally and figuratively, as it ties Cook with Josh Jacobs for the highest total value for a running back in the NFL, as pointed out by Peter Schrager of ESPN.
"A note on the James Cook deal," Schrager posted on X. "Some back of the napkin math, cash flow wise, it actually tops what Saquon and Jacobs got as free agents last off-season. The deal is a win-win and Cook never wanted to leave. The Bills are locked and loaded for 2025."
The top five running backs in terms of total contract value are as follows:
- Josh Jacobs, James Cook: $48 million
- Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts: $42 million
- Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles: $41.2 million
- Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers: $38 million
- Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots: $36 million
In terms of guarantees, Cook has nearly $18 million more than Jacobs, as the Packers running back's deal gave him just $12.5 million guaranteed. Cook wanted to be paid amongst the highest-earning running backs in the NFL, and the Bills met those requests.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Be sure to bookmark Buffalo Bills on The Sporting News for all the latest news, interviews, breakdowns, and more!