Kaleb Johnson, a promising running back and recent third-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, is eager to make his mark in the NFL. Drawing inspiration from established stars like Derrick Henry and Dalvin Cook, Johnson boasts versatility, combining speed with strength. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds an extra dimension to his game, making him a potential dual threat in the Steelers' offense. Despite his rookie status, Johnson's confidence shines as he aims to stand out among his peers.

The Minnesota Vikings have made significant strides in their draft selections since the turn of the millennium, securing top-tier talent that has shaped their team identity over the years. Despite falling short of Super Bowl glory, these choices have led to memorable seasons and remarkable player development. Among the notable picks since 2000, Dalvin Cook stands out for his explosive performance since 2017, while Brian O'Neill has solidified his place on the offensive line. Further along the list, Eric Kendricks and Danielle Hunter exemplify defensive prowess acquired through careful drafting. Justin Jefferson and the legendary Adrian Peterson top the list, embodying the franchise’s success in identifying and developing transformative talent.

James Cook, the Buffalo Bills running back, has had an outstanding season, tallying 1,267 total yards and 18 touchdowns, leading to his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection in 2024. With such impressive stats, Cook is angling for a lucrative contract extension before the 2025-26 season begins. Interestingly, he has unfollowed the Bills on social media and removed most of his Bills-related posts, a move reminiscent of other players negotiating new contracts.

Cook is likely seeking guidance from his brother, Dalvin Cook, who has advised him on handling contract negotiations. If James secures the deal he desires, he could become the second-highest-paid running back in the NFL in 2025, just behind Christian McCaffrey of the 49ers. However, despite head coach Sean McDermott's positive remarks about Cook, the Bills face salary cap pressures, raising questions about whether they will meet his financial expectations.

James Cook's impressive performance in the 2024 season, featuring 1,267 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns, has positioned him as a cornerstone for the Buffalo Bills. Following a second Pro Bowl selection, discussions surrounding a lucrative contract extension have intensified. Cook's older brother, Dalvin, advocates for a long-term deal, citing the need to secure Cook as a vital player for Buffalo's future success.

While the Bills' fanbase rallies behind Dalvin's sentiment, the franchise faces challenges in meeting Cook's reported $15 million annual salary request, potentially making him the second-highest-paid running back in the league by 2025. The ongoing speculation raises crucial questions about Buffalo's financial flexibility and their strategy moving forward.

The Dallas Cowboys and running back Ezekiel Elliott have parted ways for the second consecutive season as the team granted his release. Elliott, a three-time Pro Bowler, requested the move to pursue opportunities with playoff contenders. Head coach Mike McCarthy attributed the decision to the emergence of Rico Dowdle, who became the first undrafted player in Cowboys history to rush for 1,000 yards, significantly diminishing Elliott's role.

Since Week 11, Dowdle has excelled, amassing 633 rushing yards, ranking fifth in the NFL during that timeframe. In contrast, Elliott's performance plummeted, recording career lows in multiple rushing categories, including just 226 yards and three touchdowns this season. McCarthy acknowledged Elliott's past contributions but emphasized the competitive nature of the running back position, leading to Dowdle's ascendance.