James Cook signed a four-year, $48 million extension with $30 million guaranteed, locking him in as the Bills’ RB1 through 2028 and ending a hold-in that followed the 2024 postseason. The emotional signing underscored Buffalo’s commitment to a new, youthful core the front office is building around Cook.

Cook has cleared 1,000 rushing yards in each of the last two seasons and tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing TDs last year, posting 18 total TDs and earning his second straight Pro Bowl. The deal pairs him with Josh Allen in a high-powered, balanced offense, and Beane emphasized that Cook’s role will grow while staying complementary to the attack’s other weapons in Joe Brady’s system.

Buffalo’s plan centers on drafting, developing, and re-signing, and the extension signals a continued commitment to a diversified, weapon-rich offense. Cook played about half the snaps last season, and the team expects a workload increase without sacrificing efficiency or keeping him fresh for late-season windows as Buffalo aims to sustain an elite pace.

For fantasy players, the extension provides a clearer floor for Cook’s touches and an upside trajectory as the backfield inches toward more opportunities. The Bills’ commitment to their passing game and blocking should keep Cook productive, while the team’s depth behind him could create occasional committee dynamics depending on game flow and health.