Since selecting Josh Allen with the seventh overall pick in the 2018 draft, the Buffalo Bills have been a dominant force in the NFL. With 77 wins, they sit just behind the Ravens (78) and Chiefs (90) for the most wins in the league over that span. Allen, now the reigning MVP with a record-breaking $250 million guaranteed contract, has led Buffalo to six straight seasons of double-digit wins – every year but his rookie season – and five consecutive AFC East titles. But their postseason nemesis, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, have eliminated them in four of the last five playoffs. Now, as the NFL Draft approaches, the Bills face a different kind of challenge: star running back James Cook is demanding a new contract. With no deal in place, trade speculation is growing, especially for teams in need of an elite rusher like Chicago, Dallas, or Denver.
Cook’s Stellar Season Fuels Trade Talks
James Cook is coming off an electrifying year in which he scored 20 touchdowns, second in the league only to Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions. At 25, he’s entering the final season of his $6 million rookie contract and is pushing for a raise to $15 million annually. His market value is pegged at nearly $41 million over four years, a figure that could give the Bills pause. General manager Brandon Beane has a pattern of refreshing the running back position, having drafted Devin Singletary to replace LeSean McCoy and then Cook to replace Singletary. With Cook’s contract nearing its end, Buffalo could be gearing up for another move.
The Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys are among the teams eyeing him. The Bears stand out as a prime landing spot, as new head coach Ben Johnson, who masterminded Gibbs’ big season as Detroit’s offensive coordinator, may see Cook as a perfect fit for his system. Cook’s similar skill set could elevate the offense of second-year QB Caleb Williams, last year’s top overall pick. He would be a good fit for both Dallas and Denver, but as Dallas has signed two RB’s this offseason, his arrival would be more complicated than Denver who let Javonte Williams sign with the Cowboys last month. So it would be, if not resigned, a battle between Chicago and Denver. But remember, these are all rumors that will be clear once the draft starts.
Bills’ Draft Strategy Amid Uncertainty
With 10 draft picks in hand, Beane has plenty of flexibility to address the Bills’ roster needs. On defense, cornerback is still a pressing need, despite the addition of Tre’Davious White for depth. Mississippi’s Trey Amos could be a smart target that fits Buffalo’s scheme and will likely be available when they pick. Offensively, the team is on the hunt for another wide receiver to add to their aerial attack. Last year’s pick, Keon Coleman, is expected to step up, while Khalil Shakir received an extension and Joshua Palmer joined via free agency. Still, with injuries always a risk, they’re looking for a starter-quality wideout to solidify their top four, preferably a new favorite target for Allen. The Cook situation could affect their draft plans, either pushing them to replace him or leveraging his trade value for other assets.
If Beane can’t lock up Cook, moving him for picks or a player might be the smartest option. Chicago (10th overall), Dallas (12th) and Denver (20th) have the cap space to make a deal. Could Cook bring a first-rounder? With Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, the draft’s top running back, likely off the board by the sixth pick to the Raiders, Cook could be the best plug-and-play runner available. The draft looms as a make-or-break moment for Buffalo’s offseason.
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