Things have escalated when considering the James Cook contract extension situation with the Buffalo Bills. With Cook still yet to receive an extension, and recently he just put his house up for sale in Orchard Park.
#Bills Pro Bowl RB James Cook has listed his Orchard Park house for sale, via @NickVeronica.
Full story: https://t.co/Rh68TFvYAC pic.twitter.com/kWeAf6M4k7— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 2, 2025
Cook is still on the team for 2025, but this could be his last season before Buffalo allows him to walk in free agency or decide to trade him.
If the Bills go that route, there is an ideal running back in the 2025 NFL Draft for the Bills to replace Cook.
Buffalo Bills Look to Draft Quinshon Judkins to Replace James Cook
With Cook’s ability to break explosive runs off and add an impact as a receiver, his production would be hard for the Bills to replace. But for them, there is a running back in this draft class that provides a similar skill set to Cook.
That running back is Quinshon Judkins out of Ohio State.
James Cook Contract Issues With the Buffalo Bills
The Bills have made a point of getting multiple extensions done this offseason. Greg Rousseau, Khalil Shakir, Josh Allen, Terrel Bernard, and Christian Benford all ended up receiving contract extensions this offseason. All besides James Cook.
Earlier this offseason Cook made it known on social media that he is looking to make $15 million a year, which could’ve led to Cook not receiving an extension.
Brandon Beane at the NFL Owners Meeting when asked about Cook made his stance very clear by stating, “I would say, his reps and him put it out there that we did talk, so I’m not sharing anything new. It didn’t lead to anything as far as closing in on a deal, and, so we moved onto the guys we were more on the same page with,”
This does not sound promising for Cook, and signals even further that his time in Buffalo could be ending.
Quinshon Judkins Will Become the Buffalo Bills’ Running Back of the Future
Judkins only spent one season at Ohio State, but his impact after transferring helped lead the Buckeyes to a National Championship. His rushing production stayed consistent over his three seasons in college, accumulating 3,786 yards and 45 touchdowns. Judkins’ elusiveness has helped him with forcing missed tackles as he has had 197 over his career which has helped him accumulate 2,387 yards after contact.
Judkins also has the receiving ability as he has had 442 yards and five touchdowns over 59 receptions. With how reliable Judkins is out of the backfield catching 85.5% of the passes thrown his way, it would be valuable in the Bills’ offense. Judkins would be a player that Allen can rely on to catch passes underneath as a security option, and take pressure off him as well with his rushing ability to open up the passing game.
Judkins is just 21 years old currently, and has more upside to be unlocked as he gets more playing time in the NFL in the future. This would allow the Bills to prolong paying the running back position and focus on improving other areas of the team while also ensuring they still have an impactful player in the backfield.
