After a months-long contract dispute, the Buffalo Bills and James Cook reached an agreement on a four-year contract extension worth $48 million with $30 million in guaranteed money. In terms of total value, Cook is the highest-paid running back in the league.
And while some fans had their hesitations on the Bills giving Cook a deal that hefty, every metric shows he is worth his weight in gold.
James Cook's Efficiency
Cook was one of the most efficient running backs in the NFL in 2024. On top of leading the NFL in touchdown runs, the Florida State product was third amongst all running backs in DVOA, per FTN Fantasy, trailing only Jahmyr Gibbs and Derrick Henry. He also ranked fifth in DYAR, sixth in EPA per attempt, and third in explosive run touchdowns.
In the postseason, he led all running backs in EPA per rush, and only Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in that category. He also led all rushers in DYAR throughout the playoffs, was second in yards after contact, and second in rushing touchdowns.
What makes this all the more impressive is that Cook doesn't get nearly the amount of touches as other star running backs. In 2024, Cook ranked 22nd in offensive touches. For comparison, Saquon Barkley ranked first and Derrick Henry ranked fourth. Even with far fewer touches than Barkley and Henry, he still ranked higher than them in several categories.
Not only was Cook amongst the most efficient runners in the NFL, but his home run play ability is such a weapon for the Bills' offense, and he did all of this while getting less touches than his star peers.
Buffalo Bills offensive efficiency
The Bills' offense as a whole greatly benefited from Cook's presence. The Bills ranked third in EPA per rush in expected run situations, per Sumer Sports. They also had the most rushing touchdowns in the NFL on expected run plays.
Buffalo's passing offense also aided by Cook. On expected run plays, the Bills were top 10 in passing yards, EPA per pass, and passing touchdowns.
In an offense that has no elite receiving talent, Cook has become the nucleus of the skill position group in Buffalo, and you can't put a price tag on what he brings to the Bills.
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!
- Bills make James Cook highest-paid running back, tops Saquon Barkley in total value
- Bills star offensive lineman leaves practice with injury
- Josh Allen shares thoughts on Bills rivalry with Chiefs
- Bills get troubling update on former second-round pick
- Buffalo Bills sign former Jacksonville Jaguars safety ahead of second preseason game