Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is heading into the final year of his rookie deal and seeking a fresh contract. As such, Cook and his agent, Matt Leist of Loyalty Above All (LAA) agency, are closely monitoring the running back market, which was reset by Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley on March 4. With the historic deal, Barkley will make $20.6 million per year. Cook is currently set to earn a $5.6 million average annual salary (AAV) in 2025.
In 2024, Cook tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing touchdowns and posted his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season on his way to another Pro Bowl selection. His impact on the Bills’ offense was undeniable, as he led the team with 239 touches despite playing less than half of the offense’s total snaps (48%). His 4.9 yards per rushing attempt was the eighth-most in the league.
Cook retweeted Adam Schefter’s tweet breaking the Barkley deal — one that makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
NFL Fans Rip Bills RB James Cook for Reaction to Historic Saquon Barkley Deal
Whether it was intended or not, Cook’s eyeball emoji reaction to Barkley’s deal rubbed NFL fans the wrong way.
One fan responded to Cook’s tweet: “SB [Barkley]: 2005 rushing yards, 278 rec yards. JC [Cook]: 1009 rush yards, 258 rec yards. So basically you’re asking for $5M too much. Maybe don’t point out the best RB, who doubled your performance, is getting $20M when you’re asking for $15M and only worth $10M.”
“You are NOT getting 15M,” another wrote.
“James thinking he’s getting top back money. All him and Dalvin [Cook] talk about on here is money,” a Vikings fan responded.
— James Cook (@thegreat__4) March 4, 2025
Bill’s fans even know Cook isn’t worth anywhere near Barkley’s deal.
“Lol love you Cook but you aren’t getting that,” a Bills Mafia member responded.
“Calm down buddy. I love you in Buffalo but chasing the bag ain’t going to get you a ring,” another Bills fan wrote.
Bills fans arguing Cook’s worth had this to say:
“You deserve just as much money,” one wrote.
You deserve just as much money 🐐
— 𝕿𝖗𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖓❄️🇨🇦 (@IcyScottieV2) March 4, 2025
“I would give you the 15. It isn’t my money,” a fan wrote.
“As a Bills fan, you deserve it!” another wrote.
“James I have $15 in my wallet and a gift certificate to Wingnutz. Will you stay please?” a Bills fan responded.
Cook Makes Case for Contract Behind Barkley, 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey
On Feb. 11, Cook took to Instagram Live and pinned his own comment that said, “15 mill year.” The deal would put him behind only Christian McCaffrey’s $19 million per year and now Barkley’s $20 million+ deal. According to Spotrac, Cook’s market value is $10.2 million AAV.
On the podcast “Nightcap,” Cook doubled down on his previous statement about his desire for a big extension.
“I just feel like we’re deserving of it. Like, why not? We work all of our life to get paid. Feed me the big bucks,” Cook said. “… And I don’t want to feel like a cancer at all. Because I don’t like all that attention and all that. That’s not me, honestly. I’m just standing on business and what I deserve. That’s it. What I deserve.”
Who Are the Highest-Paid RBs in the NFL?
Barkley signed a two-year extension to not only make him the highest-paid RB in the NFL but in NFL history, becoming the first-ever $20 million-per-year back in the league, in terms of annual average value (AAV) at $20.6 million.
SEE MORE: Who Are the Highest-Paid Running Backs in the NFL in 2025?
Barkley surpassed McCaffrey’s number ($19 million), which previously paced the market, followed by Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor ($14 million), New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara ($12.25 million), and Josh Jacobs ($12 million).
Cook would likely look to surpass the numbers set by the latter three running backs, clearing Taylor’s $14 million mark at the minimum. However, yesterday’s price is not today’s price, and Barkley’s historic extension could influence Cook into believing that the RB market is due for a rebound going forward.