Cowboys' Dalvin Cook sends 3-word demand Bills' way after James Cook's 107-yd night vs 49ers

It's been a year for running backs, that much is for certain. Just take one look at the NFL MVP ladder that features two of the league's premier running backs, Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, at the top. On Sunday, several NFL running backs showed up, including Buffalo Bills star James Cook.

In a primetime matchup against the San Francisco 49ers under the picturesque snowed-in conditions at Highmark Stadium, Cook rushed for 107 yards on 14 carries and also had a touchdown to his name as the Bills picked up an easy 35-10 win.

Cook's contract is due to expire in 2025. Heading into the season, given the fact that the Bills drafted Ray Davis out of Kentucky in the fourth round, there was some concern over the Bills skimping out on Cook and choosing to go the running back-by-committee route. However, given his numbers this season, the Bills may have to hand Cook an extension. His brother Dalvin Cook made note of the same.

After the game, the Dallas Cowboys running back sent a simple yet strong message to Bills ownership.

"Pay the man," Cook wrote on social media platform X.

---

Should Bills hand James Cook a contract extension?

Heading into Week 14, the Bills are 10-2 and the offense is humming. James Cook has been a big part of that record, racking up 703 yards on 151 carries and 11 touchdowns.

As things stand, Cook will enter the final year of his rookie deal that pays him $1,500,281 next year. But there is something to be said about continuity. The AFC East clearly runs through the Bills, and they could have some success in the free agency market next year.

That said, 2025 is not expected to be a big year for free-agent running backs. Aaron Jones and JK Dobbins could be the biggest names on that list, though neither has performed to the level Cook has this year.

Teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers have already made moves to tie down their lead running backs while drafting rookies to ensure they have some insurance in case one goes down with an injury. That may be the way to go for the Bills as they look to break the Kansas City Chiefs' stranglehold over the AFC.