Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Yeah maybe so. I dunno - just the way he phrased it was kind of nonchalant, maybe even apathetic? Certainly didn’t sound urgent.
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RB James Cook, BUF (5 Viewers)
- Thread starter Faust
- Start date
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
If I am reading this correctly, looks exactly like the number I threw out, honestly didn't even know Williams got his extension
Rams RB Williams signs 3-year, $33M extension
RB Kyren Williams, who had the NFL's highest touch rate last season, signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension with the L.A. Rams with $23 million guaranteed.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
I think he was just trying to downplay the situation, not trying to make a big story of it and keep fans, media calm about it.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
It's a logical comp. Both have outplayed their draft position and are good contributors to the team but also nobody would be ranking them as high end RB talents either.If I am reading this correctly, looks exactly like the number I threw out, honestly didn't even know Williams got his extension
Rams RB Williams signs 3-year, $33M extension
RB Kyren Williams, who had the NFL's highest touch rate last season, signed a three-year, $33 million contract extension with the L.A. Rams with $23 million guaranteed.www.espn.com
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
I think the big difference is Kyren has Corrum (so far meh) and an unproven rookie behind him, while Cook has a legit baller in Ray Davis behind him.
MrSoup
Footballguy
The Ray Davis glazing in this thread in wild.
He’s not better than James Cook at football.
He’s only two weeks younger than James Cook.
James Cook is an elite ball carrier.
He just doesn’t get the same amount of touches Tier 1 RBs get because of the offensive scheme.
James deserves to get paid.
He’s not better than James Cook at football.
He’s only two weeks younger than James Cook.
James Cook is an elite ball carrier.
He just doesn’t get the same amount of touches Tier 1 RBs get because of the offensive scheme.
James deserves to get paid.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Yes and Kyren has been asked to do more in the offense. Conversely, Cook offers a lot more splash play ability. But I am curious how it settles with Cook and am keeping a close eye on Ray Davis in redraft.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
I’m certainly not “glazing” Davis. That’s a weird characterization. He’s a capable RB and showed well last year when given a chance.
Maybe don’t project stuff like that - it comes off as unnecessarily antagonistic. We’re all just having a discussion here, friend.
I didn’t say he was, but maybe he could be.
Why does that matter here? How is that relevant to Cook potentially holding out and Davis being there and playing?
Eh - he’s good. I don’t know that he’s “elite”. He had a great year for TDs last year, but I’m not sure how replicable that is.
Or because he’s not the biggest back and BUF has a QB who runs the ball, and a very capable RB2 in Davis. Whatever number of touches he gets or doesn’t, his issue is that he wants to be paid like a top RB when teams more and more are avoiding paying big contracts to RBs. And the presence of a capable backup complicates it for him.
He has no leverage, which is his biggest problem. He’s demanding a contract from a weak bargaining position. Perhaps if the Bills only had Ty Johnson & Darrynton Evans on the roster, Cook would be in a stronger position to negotiate. As it stands, the Bills can tell him to suit up or go home.
They have zero pressure to overpay him because they have another RB who’s good enough to carry the mail.
Whether Davis is better than Cook is still very much TBD in my opinion. I think Davis might be just as good with the same workload, but that’s just like, my opinion, maaan. Or maybe Davis is ~10% worse? Or 15%? Whatever that number is, if the Bills don’t want to shell out a multi-year contract to Cook, Davis is a fine backup plan without that much (if any) drop-off. You said yourself that their scheme doesn’t provide that many RB touches. That just gives the Bills that much more reason to not cave to Cook’s demands.
That’s one opinion, sure.
I’m not sure the Bills share that opinion. Especially not at his asking price. But it’s possible (likely, even) that they offer him something less.
One thing’s for sure, Cook has handled this like a petulant child, complaining about it in the media, on socials, reportedly selling his house in the area, and now holding in. Just not a great look.
We’ll see what happens. I think they’ll offer him a contract, I doubt it’s for what he’s asking, but I could be wrong.
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djjosee
Footballguy
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
That’s pretty much it, yeah.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Get by? Sure, but they are trying to get over the hump and win a SB. If they could take that money and add a quality CB than it's a no brainier, get help in the secondary. But it's not that simple. The Bills offense looks kind of sad outside of Josh Allen. Diggs is gone. Kincaid has been a disappointment. Keon Coleman didn't inspire too much hope last year. They need every bit of talent they can muster. I personally think they missed their window but I am sure they don't want to think that way.
LawFitz
Footballguy
With Josh Allen still just 29, the window is still plenty open. That said, I agree the weapons look bare for this year outside of Cook.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Palmer is a nice added weapon. They have an underrated offense.
But I agree, Cook makes them better.
He’s good. He’s nowhere close to elite tier imo.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Oh yeah Allen keeps them in it every year but in a conference with Mahomes, Burrow, Lamar, Herbert plus Stroud, Lawrence and Ward as young QBs. Now he's got a pretty soft division so that helps a lot but I think even Josh Allen needs more help than he's got on offense to win a Super Bowl. Ever since Diggs declined and left, it's been a gaping hole IMO.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Yeah, clearly I know nothing because man, he got paid!
IMO the Bills are kinda dumb for this, but hey, good for them.
rockaction
Footballguy
What do they mean by guaranteed? Schefter has never been great with distinguishing between roster bonuses and the like. If he gets $30M guaranteed I’ll come close to eating my hat.
farfromforgotten
Footballguy
Must have held some kind of leverage. Not to single you out but between this thread and the McLaurin one I’ve been thinking quite a bit about when people say the players have “no leverage” in these situations. Is that really ever true that a player would have no leverage? Just seems like a silly (perhaps strange is a better word?) thing to say to me.
rockaction
Footballguy
From SB Nation’s Buffalo Rumblings:
“As always, I would encourage you to wait from the full details to come out before you react.”
“As always, I would encourage you to wait from the full details to come out before you react.”
candian fantasy guy
Footballguy
I think this shows that the Bills like him a lot more than many here thought. I live in Bills country, I watch them and discuss them lots. Cooks was great last year. Not sure the TD totals can maintain as high, but no reason he can’t reach double digits again!
FarFromHome
Footballguy
Those who bought the dip can pay themselves on the back.
JohnnyU
Footballguy
If you have arms on your back that would make it easier to accept payment.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
I mean, his leverage was that the season is about to start and he’s a major part of their offense.
But with a capable backup, he really didn’t have a lot of leverage.
Honestly I’ll be shocked if it’s 30M guaranteed.
Maybe so. I’m still a bit shocked they caved. Clearly they learned nothing from the 49ers & the Aiyuk, Trent Williams, and CMC demands for new contracts.
That said, devil’s in the details. I wanna know the guaranteed $.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
This. This this this.
rockaction
Footballguy
Yeah, I have no skin in this game. Never peeped. I just doubt this guy got 30 million dollars guaranteed. He might have. He got a bit more than Kyren and commensurate with Jacobs’s production. It’ll be about six to twenty-four hours at least before details.
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FarFromHome
Footballguy
Arguably your deepest comment I've read from you. I get it, but I dont. Ha ha
JohnnyU
Footballguy
Perhaps even easier would be to "pat" yourself on the back.
BlackCrowes
Footballguy
just a ploy to motivate Ray Davis
Aside from Allen, no one else on the roster brings consistent big play potential. Cook is a good, not a great RB, but Allen elevates everyone. I wonder if Shakir's HAS accelerated the negotiations.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
JohnnyU
Footballguy
I wonder what Tatum Bell is up to these days.
I'd actually argue this is their best chance yet. KC's been bleeding more talent than Buffalo has.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Yeah maybe that is true that both teams are kind of descending together. I can't pretend to know all the moves KC made and the quality of a 3rd CB or anything. They lost Reid and Thuney who seem like a big deal. Rice coming back will be huge. Worthy in year 2 could be better. It will nice to have a healthy Pacheco. The real jackpot they hit was Josh Simmons in the draft. The OT from Ohio State was evaluated by many as the best OL prospect in the draft class but he tore his knee midseason which caused him to fall in the draft, it was unclear how much or if at all he would be able to play as rookie. Chiefs scoop him and wouldn't those lucky bastards have it that he's been a rehab warrior and came into training camp a 100% full go. By all accounts he's locked in as their starting LT, has been giving Chris Jones and George Karlaftis hell in practice and has taken the Chiefs LT spot from a revolving door to potential franchise player. Plus they signed the swing tackle from San Fran so they have depth on the OL this year.
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Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
Well, Cook got his new deal 4/48, 30 million guaranteed
Ilov80s
Footballguy
That is good for him in redraft and dynasty. Keeps him attached to Josh Allen for essentially his entire meaningful career.
Lives a few miles away from me. His son, Tatum Bell Jr, is a WR in his senior year of HS who has committed to UNLV.
smbkrypt24
Footballguy
Some people asking to wait for the real numbers. Are these the real numbers you are waiting for?
James Cook signed a 4 year, $48,000,000 contract with the Buffalo Bills, including $30,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $12,000,000. In 2025, Cook will earn a base salary of $5,271,000 and a workout bonus of $75,000, while carrying a cap hit of $5,701,374 and a dead cap value of $355,374.
James Cook signed a 4 year, $48,000,000 contract with the Buffalo Bills, including $30,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $12,000,000. In 2025, Cook will earn a base salary of $5,271,000 and a workout bonus of $75,000, while carrying a cap hit of $5,701,374 and a dead cap value of $355,374.
rockaction
Footballguy
Honestly, no. I’d like to know the signing bonus and where the guarantees are. If that is Spotrac, I’m pretty sure it’s a guess. Those numbers look familiar and they were reporting it about an hour after the news broke. These things usually take a day or two. The agents get their name out there and soothe their clients’ egos by reporting guarantees that aren’t.
That said, Cook could very well have thirty million guaranteed. I don’t know. I also know that money doesn’t run races or break away for eighty yard runs. So I’ll play the tortoise to the hare and wait a bit for the info to come in.
rockaction
Footballguy
I also feel like now I’ve carved out a position. I don’t know what to think. I’d check Kyren Williams’s contract and Josh Jacobs’s to see if this is plausible. (Cook is better than Williams and Jacobs’s was last year, so adjust accordingly.)
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Personally I think Jacobs is the best RB of the 3 named in this post. I will believe Cook can score 18 total TDs again only when I see it.
rockaction
Footballguy
We’re not going to find out for a while. Florio is reporting 9M signing bonus with a 6M guarantee if he’s on the roster and it gets confusing from there. Sounds like vested roster bonuses
rockaction
Footballguy
I asked AI but the contract needs to be filed with the NFLPA if have a K maven look at it and break it down. Here’s Florio per AI
Absolutely! Let’s dive into James Cook’s contract breakdown alongside a quick template to apply to other player deals in the future.
Absolutely! Let’s dive into James Cook’s contract breakdown alongside a quick template to apply to other player deals in the future.
1. James Cook’s Rookie Contract (2022–2025)
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Bonus Prorated | Workout Bonus | Guaranteed (Base + Bonus) | Cap Hit | Cash Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ~$705 K | ~$355 K | $0 | ~$1.06 M | ~$1.06 M | ~$2.13 M |
| 2023 | ~$970 K | ~$355 K | $0 | ~$970 K | ~$1.33 M | ~$970 K |
| 2024 | ~$1.16 M | ~$355 K | ~$75 K | ~$0 (no additional) | ~$1.59 M | ~$1.16 M |
| 2025 | ~$5.27 M | ~$355 K | ~$75 K | ~$0 (notable) | ~$5.70 M | ~$5.35 M |
| Totals | $8.11 M | $1.421 M | $150 K | $3.097 M | – | ~$9.60 M |
- Signing Bonus: ~$1.42 million (fully guaranteed)
- Guaranteed Salary: ~$2.39 million (covers base guarantees, especially in 2025)
- Total Guaranteed (Rookie Deal): ~$3.10 million
(New York Post, Spotrac, Over the Cap)
2. Extension (2025–2029) — Breakdown from NBC's ProFootballTalk (Mike Florio):
According to a detailed breakdown:- Signing Bonus (2025): $9 million
- 2025 Base Salary: $1.28 million (fully guaranteed)
- 2026 Option Bonus: $7.4 million
- 2026 Workout Bonus: $250 K
- 2026 Base Salary: $2.01 M (with some guarantees)
- 2026 Per-Game Roster Bonus: $340 K total
- 2027 Workout Bonus: $250 K
- 2027 Base Salary: $9.13 M, injury-guaranteed at signing; $6.22 M becomes fully guaranteed on 5th day of 2026 league year; remaining $2.91 M vests on 5th day of 2027.
- 2027 Per-Game Roster Bonus: $340 K
- 2028 Workout Bonus: $250 K
- 2028 Base Salary: $9.681 M, $1.18 M injury-guaranteed
- 2028 Per-Game Roster Bonus: $340 K
- 2029 Workout Bonus: $250 K
- 2029 Base Salary: $10.41 M
- 2029 Per-Game Roster Bonus: $340 K
- At signing (2025): $15.28 million fully guaranteed
- By 2026: Guarantee rises to $25.91 million
- Total Injury Guarantees across the deal: $30 million, with $28.82 million fully guaranteed by 2027
(NBC Sports)
Roster Bonuses: Where Guarantee Meets Strategy
Roster bonuses (like Cook’s per-game roster bonuses) often serve as a bridge between flexibility and commitment:- Guaranteed if structured properly, like injury or skill guarantees.
- Trigger timing matters: Early-season or per-game bonuses force teams to make decisions about carrying the player — effectively ensuring payment.
- The roster bonuses and workout bonuses help spread cash flow and guarantee structures across years, while still providing some protection to the player and flexibility for the team.
3. General Template for Contract Workup
- Length & Total Value: Duration and total dollars.
- Annual Breakdown: Base salary, signing bonus (and its proration), roster/workout bonuses.
- Guarantees: Identify what’s fully guaranteed (at signing), injury-guaranteed, and when future portions vest.
- Cap & Cash Flow: Cap hit vs. actual cash paid each year.
- Guarantee Structure Commentary: Explain how roster bonuses or option bonuses function—do they protect the player or give the team flexibility?
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
To anyone using night mode this is impossible to read, btw. lol
rockaction
Footballguy
I’m using night mode and it’s fine. What happened?
rockaction
Footballguy
This is the source of that
It’s a five year deal for a 10.25M AAV
Per Florio:
The new-money average on the four-year extension is $11.5 million per year, with $15.28 million fully guaranteed at signing. By 2026, the full guarantee increases to $25.91 million. The total injury guarantee is $30 million, with $28.82 million fully guranteed by 2027.
It’s a five year deal for a 10.25M AAV
Per Florio:
The new-money average on the four-year extension is $11.5 million per year, with $15.28 million fully guaranteed at signing. By 2026, the full guarantee increases to $25.91 million. The total injury guarantee is $30 million, with $28.82 million fully guranteed by 2027.
