The Buffalo Bills started Friday morning by announcing a four-year, $50 million contract extension for star linebacker Terrel Bernard. This marks the second extension for a member of Buffalo’s 2022 draft class, following wide receiver Khalil Shakir’s new deal.
That leaves two key players from the same draft class still awaiting big paydays. Cornerback, a late-round gem discovered by Brandon Beane, has developed into Buffalo’s top cornerback. Given Beane and head coach Sean McDermott’s preference for retaining defensive talent, he could be next in line for an extension.
Meanwhile, running back has been vocal about his contract expectations. Since the season ended, he has made it clear that he’s seeking near-top-tier money, reportedly around $15 million per year.
With back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and an impressive 4.9 yards per carry last year, he has made a strong case for a lucrative deal. However, his public stance on his contract demands has sparked debate. Should the Bills invest top-tier money in a running back, a position often considered devalued? Or should they explore other options? Time will tell how Buffalo handles the situation.
NFL expert Kyle Brandt is in full support of James Cook getting paid
Kyle Brandt from Good Morning Football has earned the title of an honorary Bills fan due to his unwavering passion for the team and its fanbase. During Buffalo’s thrilling 2020 run to the AFC Championship Game, Brandt became a leading voice for Bills Mafia and has remained loyal in his support ever since.
After being the first to break the news of Terrel Bernard’s contract extension, Brandt took to X to voice his support for the Bills paying running back James Cook.
General manager Brandon Beane faces a difficult decision regarding James Cook. The running back has become a key piece of Buffalo’s offense and was tied for the most rushing touchdowns in 2024 alongside Jahmyr Gibbs and Derrick Henry. However, committing $15 million per year to a running back could limit the team’s ability to invest in other areas of the roster.
Until recently, the running back market was widely undervalued, with teams hesitant to pay top dollar. However, the strong performances of Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Saquon Barkley with their new teams have helped shift that perception. Now, with the market trending upward, Cook finds himself in the perfect position to demand a lucrative contract.
Bills fans should stay tuned as the situation unfolds, as 2025 could potentially be Cook’s final season in Buffalo.