Buffalo Bills running back remains firm in his desire for a new contract—something that’s unlikely to change in the near future.
He led the league in rushing touchdowns last season, has been pushing for a deal worth over \$15 million per year. However, with less than \$5 million in available cap space, the Bills have been hesitant to meet those demands.
And perhaps there’s more to their reluctance than just financial constraints—hinting at a deeper reason behind the team’s unwillingness to commit to a high-dollar extension.
And the hesitation from the Bills could ultimately come down to James Cook’s strengths—and more importantly, his weaknesses.
Cook is asking for a contract typically reserved for the NFL’s most complete running backs—those who excel in all facets of the game: rushing, receiving, and pass protection.
While Cook has proven to be a dynamic runner and a capable pass-catcher, blocking remains a notable weakness in his game. As Kyle Crabbs of AtoZ Sports pointed out, his struggles in pass protection may be a major factor preventing him from landing the kind of lucrative deal he’s seeking.
“Cook is a limited player in pass protection, period,” Crabbs explained. “He’s been asked to pass protect just 44 times over the last two seasons and has allowed nine pressures in those snaps.
“That’s a poor ratio and highlights why Cook is often taken off the field on third downs entirely.”
Elite running backs like Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley earn top-tier contracts because they consistently perform at a high level in all areas—including pass protection. Their ability to stay on the field in every situation makes them more valuable and justifies their hefty salaries, something Cook has yet to prove.
As talented as James Cook is, he doesn’t bring the same all-around skill set as the elite backs—especially when it comes to pass protection. So the question becomes: are the Bills willing to pay top dollar for a “limited” star?
From a roster-building standpoint, the argument is that it wouldn’t be the wisest use of resources. At the very least, it helps explain why Cook’s market might not be as strong as he believes—and why Buffalo has been hesitant to meet his contract demands.