Dalvin Cook, the veteran running back, recently sparked conversation during the AFC Wild Card Round as his younger brother, James Cook, made a significant impact on the game. With a decisive five-yard touchdown run, James helped the Buffalo Bills take a 10-7 lead over the Denver Broncos. Following the play, Dalvin enthusiastically suggested that James could command a remarkable $20 million average salary if he were to negotiate a long-term contract, given his impressive performance during the season.
James Cook, who achieved a commendable 1,009 rushing yards this season and tied O.J. Simpson’s franchise record with 16 rushing touchdowns, is signed with the Bills until 2025. It’s anticipated that he and his representatives might seek a contract extension soon, particularly considering his standout contributions and accolades which led to his selection for the Pro Bowl.
However, Dalvin’s projected salary for his brother seems optimistic when looking at the current running back market. The highest-paid running back, Christian McCaffrey, has an average annual salary of $19 million, but there is a notable disparity, with Jonathan Taylor next at $14 million and Saquon Barkley following closely at $12.6 million. According to Spotrac, James Cook’s estimated market value is around $35.8 million over four years, which falls significantly short of his brother’s projection.
While Dalvin’s comments are more of a personal endorsement of his brother’s talent, it highlights the ongoing conversation about the evolving value of running backs in the NFL, especially as they navigate contract negotiations amidst fluctuating market dynamics. As James continues to develop and make his mark in the league, fans will be eager to see how his career unfolds and what compensation reflects his growing impact.
Overall, this serves as a reminder of the importance of skilled young players in the NFL who, with time, can substantially reshape their value and standing in the league. The future looks promising for James Cook, and it will be interesting to see how the Bills capitalize on his talent moving forward.