Buffalo, NY – April 5, 2025
The Buffalo Bills’ running back saga took a wild turn this week as whispers swirl that GM Brandon Beane might cut ties with James Cook, the star who’s carried their ground game to new heights. Bills legend and five-time Pro Bowl champion Thurman Thomas weighed in, telling ESPN Saturday, “Cook’s great, but if he’s pushing for $15 million a year and they can’t pay, they’ll move on—Bills don’t mess around.” With Cook’s Orchard Park home up for sale, the clock’s ticking on his $5.7 million final-year cap hit.
Cook’s camp isn’t budging—they want a blockbuster extension after his 2024 explosion. But Thomas, who knows a thing or two about Bills glory, hinted Beane’s patience could snap if Cook holds out past the NFL Draft. “They’ve got a Super Bowl window with Josh Allen—can’t let one guy clog it,” Thomas said, nodding to his own era of Bills grit.
Cook’s 2024 was a masterclass—1.009 rushing yards, an NFL-leading 16 touchdowns on 237 carries, plus 32 catches for 258 yards and 2 TDs (NFL.com). Compare that to Thomas’ 1991 MVP year: 1.407 yards, 7 TDs on 288 carries, and 62 catches for 631 yards. Cook’s efficiency (4.5 yards per carry) echoes Thomas’ prime, but his TD spree outshines the Hall of Famer’s single-season best.
Thomas ran the show in Buffalo’s four Super Bowl runs, piling up 11.938 career rushing yards and 88 total TDs—numbers Cook’s chasing (NFL.com). Yet, Cook’s 2023 breakout (1.122 yards, 2 TDs) and 2024 dominance prove he’s no flash-in-the-pan—he’s a modern Thurman with flashier scoring.
Bills Mafia’s torn. “Cook’s our soul—Beane can’t ditch him!” one fan raged on X, while another sighed, “Thomas is right—cap’s tight, Cook’s gone.” The $4.45 million cap space strains any big deal (Spotrac), and Cook’s Instagram purge of Bills gear screams leverage.
Thomas sees history repeating. “I fought for mine, but Bills always put team first,” he said, recalling his own contract battles. With Allen’s 2024 MVP haul (4,642 yards, 42 TDs), Buffalo’s offense hums—Cook’s 9th-ranked run game (135.2 yards/game, ESPN) is the backbone.
Trade suitors—Chargers, Chiefs, Panthers—are circling, per insiders, offering picks that could snag Beane a WR1 or CB (NFL.com). If Cook walks, Thomas warns, “They’ll regret it—he’s special.” But Bills fans dread a repeat of losing a legend.
The Draft looms, and Cook’s fate hangs. Will Beane pay up or let a Pro Bowl champ’s prophecy unfold? Thomas’ words linger—Cook’s unique, but Buffalo’s ruthless when Super Bowl dreams beckon.
