Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550/WBEN) - A day after ending his "hold-in" at Buffalo Bills training camp, running back James Cook has agreed to a new contract extension to remain with the team for the long-term.
As first reported by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter and NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Bills and Cook have agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $48 million, with $30 million of that money guaranteed. He is now under contract with the Bills through the 2029 season.
Despite making it known this offseason he wanted a new contract with the Bills, Cook still showed up to team facilities for mandatory minicamp in June, and then to start Bills training camp last month at St. John Fisher University in Rochester.
However, after the Bills' annual "Return of the Blue and Red" practice in Orchard Park back on Aug. 1, Cook began a "hold-in" at training camp, where he not only sat out of on-field practices, but also did not participate in Buffalo's preseason opener this past Saturday against the New York Giants.
Cook then returned to practice with his teammates on Tuesday after Bills head coach Sean McDermott said "things have changed" with his contract situation.
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The 2024 season was a career year for Cook, who rushed for a second-consecutive 1,000-yard season and finished tied for the most rushing touchdowns with 16. He also averaged 63.1 yards per-game for the Bills from the backfield.
After being drafted in the second round (63rd overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia, Cook has rushed for 2,638 yards on 533 carries in his three years in Buffalo, accounting for 20 touchdowns. He has also reeled in 97 career receptions for 883 yards and an additional seven touchdowns.