The Buffalo Bills have a huge Super Bowl window, but Pro Bowler James Cook could holdout for a new contract that may trigger a trade this offseason. The NFL Draft is still weeks away, but things could turn problematic if the Bills decide to draft a running back rather than pay their best backfield piece. Cook is entering the last season of his rookie year, and the Bills have yet to make any progress on negotiation talks. Several sources report the Bills will want to extend him as soon as possible after already paying most of their Mount Rushmore stars, such as quarterback Josh Allen, in a blockbuster deal.
Cook is looking for a reasonable price at $15 million per year, so it’s manageable for the team, but it’s on them to figure out if it’s worth it. Originally selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Georgia product became one of the best generational runners in the league, notching two Pro Bowls and tying with Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs as the rushing touchdowns leader. Cook has the leverage in the talks as he has yet to have a failing season despite only a slow rookie year. Even though he had success in 50% of snaps, recording back-to-back 1,000-yard consecutive seasons, the team’s success didn’t funnel through him.
This could mean that the Bills may be “open” to hearing what offers are out there for Cook and if that’s the case, here are five potential destinations for the rushing leader.
Pro Bowler James Cook Could Holdout for New Contract, Trade Incoming? – 5 Possible Team Fits
Potential Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
After losing Rico Dowdle, the Dallas Cowboys don’t need a running back as they brought in Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams, possibly for veteran depth. However, the team could search for their next starter in this year’s draft. If they want results now, they could trade for Cook. The Cowboys have been struggling to find the next backfield piece since Ezekiel Elliott was drafted in 2016 and their next successor could be available for a trade.
Los Angeles Chargers
The running back room will look dramatically different for Justin Herbert’s offense. J.K. Dobbins had his best season with the team, reviving his career, so, strangely, he’s still a free agent. The team signing Najee Harris might be a temporary band-aid, so perhaps they could trade for Cook to test the waters, especially since the Chargers have the financial liberty to pull it off.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Bills won’t trade any of their players to their rival, but at the right price, they probably will. Isiah Pacheco is entering the final year of his contract and if he doesn’t improve, it will force the Chiefs to find a new running back. They won’t find a new one in this year’s draft after re-signing Kareem Hunt and signing Elijah Mitchell, but Cook’s addition should be a strong consideration for the team.
Washington Commanders
For the Commanders, they’re going through the same thing as the Bills. Jayden Daniels has been consistently dependent on throwing it in the aerial attack, while Brian Robinson Jr. has been brought up in a potential trade rumor. Robinson easily had one of the best comebacks, but since the Commanders want to win now, they might consider trade swapping with Robinson for Cook.
Carolina Panthers
Chuba Hubbard will be the starter for this roster as long as he can stay healthy and is productive. Jonathan Brooks won’t return until 2026, and while they did sign Rico Dowdle, he’s under contract for one year, so that means he might not stick around, depending on what happens in the backfield. Cook joining Hubbard as a new duo could be a solid addition for Bryce Young, who is still learning in the league.
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