Reigning NFL rushing champion James Cook is underpaid but he’s focused on helping the Bills win

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III stood on the sideline during the preseason NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on August 15, 2026, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Cook signed a new contract last year and continued his streak of leading the NFL in rushing. However, Cook is underpaid compared to other contracts given out to running backs this season.

The Buffalo Bills signed Cook to a four-year deal worth $46 million, which is a bargain when compared to the salaries given to running backs this month. Cook has not expressed any complaints, not even publicly. In a podcast appearance on the AP’s “On Football,” Cook stated, “Just keep growing, just keep elevating my game, be the best version of me.

Each and every day I step on the field, sky’s the limit.” Running backs are currently underpaid compared to other positions. In fact, 25 wide receivers are earning more money per season than Gibbs and Robinson. For instance, Drake London, Robinson’s teammate, is making $13 million more per season than Robinson, despite Robinson leading the NFL last year in scrimmage yards with 2,298.

After the season, running backs might consider addressing this issue, similar to what they did a few years ago when they met virtually to discuss their contracts. For now, however, it remains a matter of business.