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What does James Cook’s blockbuster 4-year, $48M extension mean for the Buffalo Bills' offense?
James Cook's off-again, on-again holdout ended today when the Buffalo Bills signed the two-time Pro Bowl running back to a mammoth extension.
After participating in offseason preparations at the start of training camp, Cook was absent from training, citing "business reasons," and did not feature in the Bills' pre-season opener despite suiting up.
As the Bills organisation breathes a sigh of relief at getting the talented player under contract, DAZN News' Jason Abbey examines what securing Cook's services means for the Bills' offense.
Cook's recent impact
Cook is undeniably one of the top running backs in the NFL - a point he has proven over the past two years.
In 2024, despite playing behind an offensive line that ranked 26th in run blocking, Cook finished seventh among all running backs with a figure of 4.9 yards per carry.
The 25-year-old also topped 1,000 rushing yards for the second year in a row and matched Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs for the league lead in rushing touchdowns with 16. He accomplished that feat despite sharing carries with Josh Allen, who ranked second among quarterbacks with 12 rushing scores.
What have others said about Cook's talent and its importance to the Bills' offense?
Bills quarterback Allen, the reigning league MVP, made it clear he was keen for Cook to return.
"He's one of the best running backs in the league", he told NFL.com, before adding, "We desperately want him out there with us. Hopefully, something can get done."
Earlier this year, head coach McDermott had glowing praise for Cook.
"I love James... to go on the field, in this case, this season in particular, and have the success that he experienced, and how he helped our team, it's just a great feeling as a coach to watch him do what he did."
Experts agree with Allen and McDermott's assessment.
What's next for Cook and the Bills?
With Cook's future secured at the cost of making him the sixth-highest-paid running back in the league, attention turns to the only thing that matters - winning a Super Bowl.
With Allen at quarterback, Cook leading the ground game, and a stacked roster, the Bills are one of the favourites to hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy in 2025. There will be no excuses if they fail to deliver.
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