What changed
2026-08-05 02:42 UTC → 2026-08-07 12:44 UTC ·
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Buffalo Bills running back James Cook continued to dominate the Bills’ ground game after his 2025 season, in which he posted a career‑high 1,621 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in the 2025 season, touchdowns, earning the NFL rushing title – the franchise’s first rushing title since 1976. He signed a four‑year, $48 million extension that guarantees $30 million and added 33 receptions for 291 yards. The previous year, Cook carried the ball 39 times in had led the postseason, including 24 rushes for 117 league with 1,621 yards in the AFC divisional round, where the Bills fell 33‑30 in overtime to the Denver Broncos. After the loss he reflected on the personal significance of the title. An ESPN survey of NFL executives later ranked Cook lower among top running backs, citing his league‑high fumble total and limited receiving role. Cook said 16 rushing touchdowns, also securing the criticism would not affect his focus, and Bills fans remained supportive. Sports Illustrated’s preseason position‑by‑position rankings placed Bills’ first title since O.J. Simpson. In August 2026 Cook at No. 8, outside agreed to a three‑year, $46 million extension (average $11.5 million per year), moving him into the top five, despite his consistency, a 5.2‑yard‑per‑carry average ten total‑value contracts for running backs and a third consecutive Pro Bowl selection. Entering the 2025 season after a league‑leading performance the year before, Cook expressed underscoring Buffalo’s confidence in pursuing him as a second consecutive rushing title. Head coach core offensive weapon. The deal follows an earlier four‑year, $48 million extension that guaranteed $30 million. Coach Joe Brady has repeatedly praised Cook’s power and elusiveness while urging improved better ball security. Cook’s brother, former NFL back Dalvin Cook, again defended him publicly James on social media against criticism, highlighting James’s his back‑to‑back 1,000‑yard seasons and three‑time three Pro Bowl status. selections. In a lighter moment, Cook presented quarterback Josh Allen with a custom golf cart bearing Allen’s No. 17 as a preseason gift, reflecting their on‑field chemistry. Analysts note that while Cook’s average annual value trails the newest $22 million‑plus contracts signed by elite backs, his guaranteed money remains competitive, and his production continues to place him among the league’s top scrimmage‑yard gainer.