Buffalo Bills running back James Cook got a new contract last year and backed it up by leading the NFL in rushing. The Bills gave Cook a $46 million, four-year deal that's a bargain compared to the money teams handed out to running backs this month. He's not complaining. At least, not publicly. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
"Just keep growing, just keep elevating my game, be the best version of me," Cook said on the AP's "On Football" podcast. "Each and every day I step on the field, sky's the limit."
Jahmyr Gibbs became the highest-paid running back in NFL history when the Detroit Lions signed him to a $67.5 million, three-year contract with $51.5 million guaranteed and an average annual salary of $22.5 million.
Bijan Robinson received a $66.75 million, three-year deal from the Atlanta Falcons with $51.6 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $22.25 million.
The Indianapolis Colts gave Jonathan Taylor a $44 million, two-year deal.
Those contracts set a new bar for running backs, surpassing Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million annually) and Christian McCaffrey ($19 million annually).
Still, running backs are underpaid compared to wide receivers. Twenty-five receivers are making more money per season than Gibbs and Robinson. That includes Robinson's teammate, Drake London. Robinson led the NFL last year in scrimmage yards with 2,298. London was 50th with 919 yards. But he's making $13 million more per season.
After the season, running backs could make this an issue like they did a few years ago when they met virtually to discuss their contracts.
For now, it's all business. Cook is focused on trying to help the Bills get to an elusive Super Bowl victory. Led by Josh Allen, Buffalo has won a playoff game in each of the past six seasons but hasn't made it past the AFC championship game.
"We don't have to do nothin," Cook concluded.