James Cook's 2025 Contract: Bills RB's Salary & Net Worth

James Cook's Meteoric Rise with the Buffalo Bills

Selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, James Cook has rapidly evolved from a promising rookie to a cornerstone of the Buffalo Bills' offense. The younger brother of former Vikings star Dalvin Cook, James has carved his own elite path in the NFL, emerging as a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the league's most dynamic running backs.

Lucrative 2025 Contract Extension

Before the 2025 season, the Bills rewarded Cook's stellar performance with a significant contract extension. The four-year, $46 million deal includes:

Total Guaranteed: $28.2 million
Signing Bonus: $9 million
Average Annual Value (AAV): $11.5 million

For the 2025 season specifically, Cook is earning a $1.28 million base salary plus his $9 million signing bonus, with a cap hit of $3,435,374. This contract positions him as one of the NFL's highest-paid running backs.

2025 On-Field Dominance

Cook's performance matches his impressive contract. Through just 10 games in the 2025 season, he has:

Rushed for 968 yards
Scored 7 touchdowns
Averaged 5.3 yards per carry

According to PFSN's RB Impact metric, Cook currently ranks as the league's #2 running back with an elite RBi score of 93.8 and an 'A' grade. This production comes after his 2024 breakout season where he rushed for 1,009 yards and 16 touchdowns while adding 32 receptions for 258 yards and 2 receiving scores.

Net Worth & Financial Standing

While an exact net worth figure isn't publicly confirmed, estimates place Cook's wealth between $10-15 million in 2025. His career earnings to date total $14,933,682, and with this contract secured, his financial trajectory points to significant growth potential.

Salary Ranking Among NFL Running Backs

Currently, Cook ranks seventh among NFL running backs in average annual value:

Saquon Barkley: $20.6 million AAV
Christian McCaffrey: $19 million AAV
Derrick Henry: $15 million AAV
Jonathan Taylor: $14 million AAV
Alvin Kamara: $12.25 million AAV
Josh Jacobs: $12 million AAV
James Cook: $11.5 million AAV

Future Outlook

With his contract secured through 2029 and still only 26 years old, Cook is positioned for sustained success. If he maintains his current production and health, he could potentially negotiate another lucrative extension before his current deal expires, further boosting his net worth and cementing his status among the NFL's elite running backs.

Buffalo Bills Context

Cook's emergence comes during a critical period for the Bills. As they navigate a challenging four-game road stretch in five weeks (starting with Houston in Week 12), Cook's explosive playmaking will be crucial. His ability to complement Josh Allen's dynamic quarterbacking gives Buffalo a formidable offensive core as they pursue playoff contention.