James Cook is paying attention.
The Buffalo Bills running back has been very open about wanting a nice pay day via a contract extension from his team. It has not yet happened, but it’s being discussed according to general manager Brandon Beane.
Beane also said at the recent 2025 NFL combine that he prefers “we don’t take the business outside,” but Cook missed or ignored that part once again.
On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Eagles signed running back Saquon Barkley to a massive two-year extension. Barkley’s deal is worth $41.2 million and his is the first running back in NFL history to average over $20M per year.
Cook first hinted at wanting to be paid $15M per year on Instagram following the season and mentioned it again on X/Twitter shortly after.
As one could guess, that’s what the “cryptic message” pertains to.
Taking to his account on X/Twitter, Cook kept it simple, just an eyeballs emoji as he is clearly making note of that money Barkley is getting:
Cook is well within his right to want a nice pay day in a contract extension. He undoubtedly had a top season in 2025 and was a Pro Bowler.
In 16 games played, Cook averaged a career-best 4.9 yards per carry with 16 touchdowns. Cook had a second-straight 1,000-plus yard year on the ground (1,009) along with 32 catches for 258 yards and two more scores.
Even with his numbers, WIVB-TV noted Cook only was on the field for 44.58 percent of the snaps for Buffalo’s offense in 2024.
And by comparison, we don’t even need to note Barkley’s numbers. He’s far-and-away the best running back in the NFL. Cook won’t garner those types of dollars and he’ll know that.
Even so, the 25-year-old is still letting his feelings be known.
For what it’s worth, Beane also tried to remain positive about an extension for Cook as well.
“I love James, he’s a beautiful man,” Beane said. “Just because we aren’t on the same page today doesn’t mean we wouldn’t be tomorrow, in two weeks, in two years.”
Bills Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2025 offseason.
