NFL analyst opens door to Bills replacing James Cook amid contract drama

James Cook had the most productive season of his career in 2024. The Bills enjoyed every yard and all 16 touchdowns, but now the other shoe appears to be dropping. Cook has not been quiet about wanting more money and the Bills appear to be faced with a dilemma in their running back room.

The solution might be lying in wait at the 2025 NFL draft. At least, that is what one NFL analyst believes. Speaking on Monday's edition of "Pro Football Talk," NFL analyst Mike Florio said the Bills "better have a plan B."

"There were questions about whether or not there's enough weapons around Josh Allen and also this James Cook contract thing. They may want to load another running back in the pipeline here, because it is getting weird," Florio said.

"They don't want to pay him yet. I think they're hoping to kick the can for another year. He put his house on the market last week.

"He's been making it clear he wants to get paid.You better have a plan B for James Cook, whetheroyou're going to need [the new one] this year or you're definitely going to need them next year if Cook isn't there anymore," he said.

At face value, the thought of the team moving on from arguably their biggest star, not named Josh Allen, seems unlikely. However, with Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley on other teams due to this line of thinking, a swap cannot be ruled out.

Some general managers might take into account all three running backs being productive, but others might not.

Exploring who the Bills could select to replace James Cook

James Cook at 2025 AFC Championship Game: Buffalo Bills v Kansas City Chiefs - Source: Getty

Cook was selected in the second round, so the Bills already have a blueprint for what they believe might work. As such, with either their 56th overall or 62nd overall pick, they could select Kaleb Johnson out of Iowa.

Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns, leading the Big Ten in both categories. Aside from him, Cam Skattebo out of Arizona State makes sense as well. He earned 1,711 yards and was a force in the playoffs in 2024.

His 1,711 yards led the Big 12, giving the Bills plenty of reason to go after the star collegiate athlete.

Of course, the Bills also could pay Cook or use the franchise tag strategy in 2026 and 2027, but a solid rookie makes things much simpler for the Bills.

Plus, if they decide to trade Cook, they could end up with more draft picks that can be used on cheaper players.

Will the Buffalo Bills heed James Cook's call or resort to the NFL draft?

If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk," and H/T Sportskeeda.