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Bills GM Brandon Beane Speaks Out on James Cook Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Buffalo Bills have officially put an end to months of speculation surrounding star running back James Cook.
After staging a “hold-in” — attending team activities but refraining from practicing or playing in any preseason games — Cook agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract extension, with roughly $30 million guaranteed. The deal places him among the NFL’s highest-paid running backs in terms of guaranteed money.
Cook returned to practice on Aug. 12, and the news became official Wednesday morning, when Bills general manager Brandon Beane broke his silence on the team’s decision to lock Cook up long-term.
"This is the new young core that we’re putting our money into,” Beane said. “We want to draft, develop, and re-sign. This is another draft pick we’re proud of, and we’re excited to get extended. He’s got a skillset we want to maintain in this offense. There was never a case of not wanting to extend him."
He continued, "Once we got him back on the practice field, we really worked hard [on Tuesday]. I think it was roughly 11 o’clock or so last night where we were able to say both sides were good with this.”
Next to Josh Allen, no player was more productive in the Bills’ offense last season than James Cook. He logged 207 carries for 1,009 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, while adding 32 receptions for 258 yards and two scores through the air.
Cook has now earned Pro Bowl honors in back-to-back seasons and has solidified himself as a pivotal piece of Buffalo’s success. Still, Brandon Beane hopes to incorporate more weapons into the offense to help ease the burden on both Allen and Cook.
“We think he can take more, but we do want to use our other weapons,” Beane said. “Like anything, it’s that fine balance. Some of it is not him wanting out, it’s us throwing as many different pieces and looks for the defense while also keeping him fresh.
“He’s an explosive talent, and if you overuse them and they get wear and tear, they’re not the same player. We do think he can be a three-down player. We’re excited with where he’s at. I don’t think he’s been overtaxed or ‘Man, his tread on his tires is getting worn’ by any means.”
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
The Buffalo Bills have officially put an end to months of speculation surrounding star running back James Cook.
After staging a “hold-in” — attending team activities but refraining from practicing or playing in any preseason games — Cook agreed to a four-year, $48 million contract extension, with roughly $30 million guaranteed. The deal places him among the NFL’s highest-paid running backs in terms of guaranteed money.
Cook returned to practice on Aug. 12, and the news became official Wednesday morning, when Bills general manager Brandon Beane broke his silence on the team’s decision to lock Cook up long-term.
"This is the new young core that we’re putting our money into,” Beane said. “We want to draft, develop, and re-sign. This is another draft pick we’re proud of, and we’re excited to get extended. He’s got a skillset we want to maintain in this offense. There was never a case of not wanting to extend him."
He continued, "Once we got him back on the practice field, we really worked hard [on Tuesday]. I think it was roughly 11 o’clock or so last night where we were able to say both sides were good with this.”
Next to Josh Allen, no player was more productive in the Bills’ offense last season than James Cook. He logged 207 carries for 1,009 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, while adding 32 receptions for 258 yards and two scores through the air.
Cook has now earned Pro Bowl honors in back-to-back seasons and has solidified himself as a pivotal piece of Buffalo’s success. Still, Brandon Beane hopes to incorporate more weapons into the offense to help ease the burden on both Allen and Cook.
“We think he can take more, but we do want to use our other weapons,” Beane said. “Like anything, it’s that fine balance. Some of it is not him wanting out, it’s us throwing as many different pieces and looks for the defense while also keeping him fresh.
“He’s an explosive talent, and if you overuse them and they get wear and tear, they’re not the same player. We do think he can be a three-down player. We’re excited with where he’s at. I don’t think he’s been overtaxed or ‘Man, his tread on his tires is getting worn’ by any means.”
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
