Pittsburgh, PA – April 26, 2025. The Pittsburgh Steelers are poised to shake up the AFC North, with insiders predicting a blockbuster trade to land Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, sources told ESPN Sunday. As the 2025 NFL Draft continues, this bombshell could redefine Pittsburgh’s offense.
The Steelers, after drafting Derrick Harmon to bolster their defensive line, still lack a true RB1 following Najee Harris’ free-agency exit to the Chargers. Cook, a two-time Pro Bowler, emerges as the ideal solution to ignite Arthur Smith’s outside-zone scheme.
Cook’s explosiveness would transform Pittsburgh, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said.
Pro Football Network’s Sterling Xie proposes the Steelers send a 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 123) and a 2026 third-rounder to Buffalo for Cook, whose $5.7 million cap hit fits Pittsburgh’s $2 million cap after restructurings. The Bills, eyeing draft RB Raheim Sanders, may deal Cook amid his $15 million-per-year contract demands.
This trade’s a win-win for both, Xie wrote.
Cook, 25, ran for 1,009 yards and led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024, adding 46 catches for 352 yards. His 4.7 yards per carry dwarfs Jaylen Warren’s output, offering Pittsburgh a versatile RB1 to ease pressure on a new quarterback like Quin Ewers.
He’s the spark we need, coach Mike Tomlin said.
Buffalo, with Ray Davis and Ty Johnson as depth, could leverage Cook’s trade to fuel their draft-heavy approach, per GM Brandon Beane’s history. Pittsburgh’s offense, ranked 19th in rushing, gains a dynamic weapon to challenge AFC North defenses like Baltimore’s.
Cook could make them contenders, NFL analyst Matt Miller noted.
The trade’s $41 million valuation, per Spotrac’s projected extension, tests Khan’s cap wizardry, but Cook’s youth and production justify the cost. As the Steelers chase an eight-year playoff win drought’s end, this deal could propel them to Super Bowl contention in 2025.
