Is Cook worth it?

[Mat68]

1 hour ago, CA OC Bills Fan said:

I agree with this, however, I think the point the OP is making is valid. At least based on the number he's stated publicly, Cook is seeking a contract that's out of line with what others at his position who are more valuable have recently gotten. Perhaps by next season it would be in line since salaries keep going up, but as of now, most analysis have put his value at closer to $12 or $12.5 million AAV, not $15 million.

 

One theory I've heard says that Cook doesn't really want to remain in Buffalo, but at a high enough price, he's willing to sign and stay. If that's the case, he's playing it perfectly. He's stated his expectations and will do everything he needs to do to show other teams he's worthy of a big payday next offseason. That could include full participation, not holding in (or out) as well of course of balling out this year.

Treating a business as such is not indicative of personal desires though.  Signing early does usually carry the team friendly trade off.  Wanting close to open market value will require closer to deadline type deal.  Hearing Beane today I could see a deal reached in the coming weeks if Cook is will to come down slightly.  Buffalo pays a little more, Cook takes a little less.  Structured in a way that opens up operating cap for the season.  Cook isnt a talkative guy.  He showed up, no distractions ready to work.  Opposite of what the insiders(agent mouth pieces) predicted.  Leading the league in Tds.  Best player on the field vs KC.  Younger, healthier and less milage than the top backs are all reasons he will get paid.  

[JP51]

1 hour ago, Doc Brown said:

My question is if he has another great year would Beane use the non exclusive franchise tag on him since it will likely cost them less than the amount an extension that he'll be asking for.  That's a long time down the road though.

I mean he might, but how effective is that... except for term.. he started asking 15mm by next year thats gonna be cheap... franchise him and 15mm is gonna be really cheap... so if he does its likely with the thought of moving on from him after 2 years. (this and the franchise year) 

[DrDawkinstein]

17 minutes ago, JP51 said:

I mean he might, but how effective is that... except for term.. he started asking 15mm by next year thats gonna be cheap... franchise him and 15mm is gonna be really cheap... so if he does its likely with the thought of moving on from him after 2 years. (this and the franchise year) 

 

Agreed. At that point the tag is essentially a 5th year option on a guy we got in the 2nd but is a 1st round talent. The RB franchise tag is $13.6M this year, likely to be around $14M next year. So still a deal for the Bills compared to his $15M+ asking price.

 

If he leaves after that because we can't afford him, then it is what it is.

 

I can understand when people say they dont want to pay a RB $15M-$17M as a general philosophy. And if that is how Beane is going to operate and build the team then so be it. What I dont agree with is when folks try to devalue Cook and say he isnt worth $15M.

 

I also start to question Beane "wasting" that 2nd round pick on a guy who he knew was already a big name from a major program, who just won a Natty, and if he was successful with the Bills would be wanting big money, but knowing he wasnt going to re-sign him to big money. 2nd round picks are too valuable to waste on 1 contract rentals, and more so for Beane who has whiffed bigly on most of his other 2nd round picks.

 

But I'm glad (and not surprised) to see Cook at camp and participating. I hope he has another amazing season.

[Mat68]

12 minutes ago, DrDawkinstein said:

 

Agreed. At that point the tag is essentially a 5th year option on a guy we got in the 2nd but is a 1st round talent. The RB franchise tag is $13.6M this year, likely to be around $14M next year. So still a deal for the Bills compared to his $15M+ asking price.

 

If he leaves after that because we can't afford him, then it is what it is.

 

I can understand when people say they dont want to pay a RB $15M-$17M as a general philosophy. And if that is how Beane is going to operate and build the team then so be it. What I dont agree with is when folks try to devalue Cook and say he isnt worth $15M.

 

I also start to question Beane "wasting" that 2nd round pick on a guy who he knew was already a big name from a major program, who just won a Natty, and if he was successful with the Bills would be wanting big money, but knowing he wasnt going to re-sign him to big money. 2nd round picks are too valuable to waste on 1 contract rentals, and more so for Beane who has whiffed bigly on most of his other 2nd round picks.

 

But I'm glad (and not surprised) to see Cook at camp and participating. I hope he has another amazing season.

AVP of 15 mil now will create more outs and more cap space.  14 mil tag = 14 cap hit.  Cook would make more cash now but his cap this season would be less than it currently is and his cap hit next season would likely be less than 14 mil too.  If tagging is a real options just extend him now. 

[billsfan89]

With Cook in camp I think Beane likely made some sort of deal with Cook's agent to at least not franchise him if they can't agree to a contract. Makes sense for both sides. Keeps Cook motivated and in with the team while his agent gets him a concession that allows him to ball out and prove his worth without getting tagged and in a similar situation next off-season. I think they will possibly get a deal done in the 12-13 million range with 20ish million in additional guarantees but that's just me guessing. 

[Augie]

3 hours ago, JP51 said:

I think he likes the Bills just fine... he is here... but he has 1 kick at this can... and he wants the bag...  I do not see a major hometown discount coming out of him.... 

 

I don’t see a true home town discount by any means, but there is a business decision to be made. Would he rather not get too much now to have a bird in the hand and be set for life? Or play the final year of his rookie contract, then get Franchised then try to get paid 3 seasons from now?  It’s his life, he can do whatever he wants, but that’s a real decision to make, imo. 

 

.

Edited July 23 by Augie

[JP51]

3 hours ago, Augie said:

 

I don’t see a true home town discount by any means, but there is a business decision to be made. Would he rather not get too much now to have a bird in the hand and be set for life? Or play the final year of his rookie contract, then get Franchised then try to get paid 3 seasons from now?  It’s his life, he can do whatever he wants, but that’s a real decision to make, imo. 

 

.

Agreed either way its good to be JC

[MasterStrategist]

On 4/15/2025 at 8:31 PM, MasterStrategist said:

With our recent drafting, I'd rather keep Cook if offered a 2nd (which would never happen).

 

All this speculation from people is crazy.  Cook isn't going to hold out/hold in, he'll ball out this year for a major payday in 2026+.  Bills get the benefit of a motivated/very talented player and can re visit the option of extending him next offseason.

 

I've said this many times, but if I'm Beane I'm offering a 3 year extension (thru 2028) for $26m gtd and potential for $12-$14m aav.  That's going to be the going rate for Cook, at a minimum, come next offseason.  Guys like Gibbs coming up for contract soon, we will see 4-5 RBs making premier money---- Cook is in that top echelon (top 5 RBs) if people want to admit it or not, given his age and low mileage, and significant improvement year to year --- with others in that top group aging out in 2-3 years max.

 

 

BUMP.....some thought he was going to pull a "hold in", as said above that just isnt in Cooks DNA. He's a competitor through and.through, and is more of a team player than people give him credit for.

 

Im sticking to my post about contract.  Gtd money is where they need to make this deal get done.

[VW82]

Main takeaway from Beane's presser today is Cook is gone next year. 

[Thurman#1]

On 7/23/2025 at 5:05 AM, HamptonBillsfan said:

The Bills should just give Cook a decent offer and get this done, If they continue playing hard ball with him, it will result in limited production and ultimately losing him. He’s coming into a year where he can have a bigger role with even more production. Josh needs a run first offense to duplicate his MVP stats and WS. Remember all the mediocre backs since Thurman we’ve trotted out with no playoff appearances.

 

 

"They should just give Cook a decent offer ..."

 

What makes you think they didn't? Is any deal Cook refuses therefore to be considered not fair? Is only a total cave to the player's demands fair? That's not the way a team should think or operate.

 

And yeah, I do remember all the mediocre backs since Thurman we've trotted out with no playoff appearances. Devin Singletary, for instance. Zack Moss. Oh, wait.

 

Edited July 24 by Thurman#1

[Thurman#1]

On 7/17/2025 at 11:30 AM, LLCoolCy said:

Josina Anderson just posted a long description of the Cook situation which sounds like it comes from Jimbo’s camp weighing their options. If that’s the case I think Cooks camp is leaning towards signing for the Bill’s terms. 
 

 

 

 

Yeah, this is the thing.

 

Cook isn't just wanting a contract (at $15M APY) that out kicks the coverage of the value he's demonstrated so far.

 

He wants it after his third year. Guys who sign contracts at that time are usually giving a discount in consideration of the team's willingness to give them the money earlier, a practice that works in the player's favor, in terms of injury insurance, the earlier chance to put the money to work earning more money and the simple peace of mind that comes with a surer future.

 

But I don't see anything here that looks like it's coming from Cook's camp. Looks to me like a cold neutral look at the situation, with all sentiment removed and from a purely financial view.

 

The Bills players who this offseason signed deals after their third years got solid and fair contracts, but they knew signing early meant they'd have to sign team-friendly deals. 

 

That is very much NOT the way Cook is playing this.

 

 

Edited July 24 by Thurman#1

[Mat68]

https://x.com/ajaycybulski/status/1948412660673908826?s=46

 

Answer to if Cook wants to be in Buffalo.

[Thurman#1]

16 hours ago, Mat68 said:

https://x.com/ajaycybulski/status/1948412660673908826?s=46

 

Answer to if Cook wants to be in Buffalo.

 

 

I don't doubt for a second that he wants to be here.

 

But that's his second priority, not his first. 

 

Which is fair enough. He's got to make his money while the sun shines.

[GunnerBill]

On 7/24/2025 at 5:41 AM, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

Cook isn't just wanting a contract (at $15M APY) that out kicks the coverage of the value he's demonstrated so far.

 

 

 

That's your opinion. I disagree. 

[HamptonBillsfan]

On 7/24/2025 at 12:25 AM, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

"They should just give Cook a decent offer ..."

 

What makes you think they didn't? Is any deal Cook refuses therefore to be considered not fair? Is only a total cave to the player's demands fair? That's not the way a team should think or operate.

 

And yeah, I do remember all the mediocre backs since Thurman we've trotted out with no playoff appearances. Devin Singletary, for instance. Zack Moss. Oh, wait.

 

What makes you think they gave him an offer? Beane doesn’t negotiate with RBs on contract right. Don’t compare Singletary or Moss to Cook, you’re embarrassing yourself. You’re stuck in this mindset that a great RB is not worth $15 million( not guaranteed). Last time I respond, we need a big time back to take advantage of the best QB in football.

[jaybills]

On 4/15/2025 at 10:12 AM, Billsfed1 said:

Those first few games to me are fairly dicey.

 

Still think he’s a hell of a back and would love to have him, but if he really makes his intentions clear…does he get booed out of Buffalo?

 

When he undoubtedly makes a big play in the opener…does he get booed?

 

Hollins and Cook were the 2 guys not named Allen that really gave us something against the Chiefs.

IMO he deserves his spot if he’ll behave.

 

Is he worth the headache?

Yes, he's totally worth it. 

[JohninMinn.]

On 7/23/2025 at 2:48 PM, DrDawkinstein said:

 

Agreed. At that point the tag is essentially a 5th year option on a guy we got in the 2nd but is a 1st round talent. The RB franchise tag is $13.6M this year, likely to be around $14M next year. So still a deal for the Bills compared to his $15M+ asking price.

 

If he leaves after that because we can't afford him, then it is what it is.

 

I can understand when people say they dont want to pay a RB $15M-$17M as a general philosophy. And if that is how Beane is going to operate and build the team then so be it. What I dont agree with is when folks try to devalue Cook and say he isnt worth $15M.

 

I also start to question Beane "wasting" that 2nd round pick on a guy who he knew was already a big name from a major program, who just won a Natty, and if he was successful with the Bills would be wanting big money, but knowing he wasnt going to re-sign him to big money. 2nd round picks are too valuable to waste on 1 contract rentals, and more so for Beane who has whiffed bigly on most of his other 2nd round picks.

 

But I'm glad (and not surprised) to see Cook at camp and participating. I hope he has another amazing season.

I've seen strong westerly winds blow him out of bounds.

[Augie]

I’ll just throw this out there. Someone mentioned to me that James Cook only saw 14 pass pro plays last year, and that seemed impossibly low so I Googled it. This is what I came up with:

 

AI Overview

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook participated in 

11 pass-blocking snapsduring the 2024 season. 

While Cook is a talented runner and receiver, his pass protection skills are considered a weaker aspect of his game, and the Bills often rely on other backs like Ty Johnson for pass-blocking duties.  

 

It just seems hard to believe. I do not like being that predictable, and pass pro is largely about being willing to sell your body out. I lean toward let him play this year, then Franchises Tag him if a reasonable extension can’t be worked out. 

[DrDawkinstein]

55 minutes ago, JohninMinn. said:

I've seen strong westerly winds blow him out of bounds.

 

Maybe year 1. Last year he showed up stronger and ran through a ton of contact. Even had multiple TDs where he ran THROUGH defenders at the goal line. 

 

And reports are he added a little more muscle this year. He's 25 and still filling out.

 

Any highlight videos from last year, either Cook's NFL Top 100 vid or just general Bills 2024 Highlights, have clips of him running through contact and over defenders.

 

That criticism is dead.

[GunnerBill]

28 minutes ago, Augie said:

I’ll just throw this out there. Someone mentioned to me that James Cook only saw 14 pass pro plays last year, and that seemed impossibly low so I Googled it. This is what I came up with:

 

AI Overview

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook participated in 

11 pass-blocking snapsduring the 2024 season. 

While Cook is a talented runner and receiver, his pass protection skills are considered a weaker aspect of his game, and the Bills often rely on other backs like Ty Johnson for pass-blocking duties.  

 

It just seems hard to believe. I do not like being that predictable, and pass pro is largely about being willing to sell your body out. I lean toward let him play this year, then Franchises Tag him if a reasonable extension can’t be worked out. 

 

PFF only credits him with 14 pass block snaps in 2024. On which he gave up two pressures. One against Jacksonville and one in the AFCCG. He only got one below average pass block grading for the year which was the Championship game. And that has kinda been my point about. Bis whiff in that game is influencing perceptions. His pass blocking overall has not been the disaster some make out. It isn't a strength, don't get me wrong, but he is not a total liability.