Buffalo Bills running back James Cook remains eager for a new contract but it doesn’t look like he’ll get his wish anytime soon.
Cook, who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns last season, has been pushing for a deal worth more than $15 million per year. But with less than $5 million in available cap space, Buffalo has been hesitant to meet that demand.
And there may be more to it than just money.
A key factor could be Cook’s strengths and weaknesses on the field. His salary request lines up with what the league’s top-tier running backs earn, but those players usually excel in all aspects of the position: running, receiving, and blocking.
Pass protection is where Cook falls short. Analyst Kyle Crabbs (AtoZ Sports) highlighted that as a major reason Cook might not land the contract he wants.
“Cook is a limited player in pass protection, period,” Crabbs said. “In the past two seasons, he’s been asked to block just 44 times and has allowed nine pressures that’s a poor ratio. It explains why he often isn’t on the field during third downs.”
Elite backs like Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley handle pass protection well, which helps justify their high salaries. While Cook is a talented runner, he doesn’t offer the same all-around value.
That raises the question: should the Bills invest heavily in a player with such limitations? For now, that concern seems to be a major reason Cook’s market—and his chances of a big payday may not be as strong as he hopes.
