James Cook Lists Home for Sale Amid Stalled Contract Talks with Bills

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has recently put his Orchard Park residence on the market amid stalled contract negotiations with the team.

Cook, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract with a $5.3 million salary for the 2025 season, is seeking a significant pay raise to $15 million annually. This figure would position him among the NFL's highest-paid running backs, reflecting his substantial contributions on the field.

Since being drafted by the Bills in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Cook has delivered impressive performances, recording consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and earning Pro Bowl selections in 2023 and 2024. Notably, he led the league with 16 rushing touchdowns in the 2024 season.

Despite these achievements, contract extension discussions between Cook and the Bills have reached an impasse. General Manager Brandon Beane announced that negotiations are on hold until after the upcoming NFL Draft. Beane expressed the team's desire to retain Cook long-term but acknowledged the current gap between the parties' positions.

The listing of Cook's home, purchased in 2022 through an LLC owned by his brother, fellow NFL running back Dalvin Cook, has fueled speculation about his future with the franchise. However, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that despite the current tensions, Cook intends to play for the Bills in the 2025 season.

As the situation develops, the Bills may need to explore contingency plans. Some analysts suggest that the team could consider selecting a running back in the upcoming draft to prepare for a potential departure of their star rusher. Cook's performance in the 2025 season and the progression of contract talks will likely influence his future with the team as he approaches free agency in 2026