Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has been vocal on social media this offseason discussing his desire to receive a new contract. The two-time Pro Bowl selection made it clear he’s seeking $15 million annually in extension talks. Fantasy football managers must now wrestle with questions about how the uncertain situation, and possible holdout, impacts his dynasty outlook for 2025.
James Cook Dynasty Outlook (2025 Fantasy Football)
Bills Star’s Current Production
Cook’s breakout 2023 season (1,567 yards from scrimmage) was limited from a fantasy perspective because he only scored six touchdowns. His total yardage dipped in 2024 (1,267) but he found the end zone 18 times, which was tied for second in the NFL among non-quarterbacks.
The 25-year-old Miami native ranked seventh among running backs in fantasy scoring in standard leagues (234.7 points) and eighth in PPR leagues (266.7 points), per FantasyPros.
Cook’s underlying numbers are promising, too. He was sixth among qualified rushers in yards per carry (4.9). He also received a strong 82.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
His combination of age and production makes his a high-end fantasy asset at baseline. Fantasy managers would typically expect to receive at least another handful of highly productive seasons. That’s especially true as part of the high-powered Bills offense.
Yet, the unsettled contract situation creates some uncertainty.
James Cook Dynasty Price
Cook currently ranks as the No. 11 running back and the No. 37 overall player in dynasty leagues, according to the ranking website KeepTradeCut. His overall rating stands at 6292. The website uses a system that maxes out at 9999, a rating currently owned by Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
So far, the contract questions haven’t made a significant impact. His rating has only dropped a modest 22 points over the past month.
James Cook Dynasty Outlook Amid Contract Talks
Cook’s surrounding circumstances make him one of the trickiest players to deal with in dynasty leagues this offseason. Running backs are always tough to evaluate because of their short career span. So, any further issues create a headache.
On the plus side, the University of Georgia product is a dynamic rusher. He should remain productive no matter where he plays in 2025. It’s a virtual guarantee he’ll stay in Buffalo, but his value shouldn’t plummet if the Bills consider trade options.
The potential holdout issue is a scary consideration, though.
Cook hasn’t publicly suggested he’ll consider sitting out games if he doesn’t get a new deal. He’s under contract for next season at a team-friendly $5.7 million. Keeping him at that number would be a boost for a Buffalo squad with limited financial flexibility.
In turn, the only way for Cook to seriously pressure the Bills front office is to put a holdout on the table. If that happens, his fantasy value is going to plummet until a solution is found.
What To Do With Bills Running Back in Dynasty Leagues
We previously discussed how it may be the perfect time to consider trade offers for Bills MVP quarterback Josh Allen in dynasty leagues. The same is true with Cook, although dealing with the running back would require far more urgency.
The holdout discussion hasn’t reached a national level yet. That leaves the door open to trade him based on his on-field merits—a top-10 scorer at a key position—and not the contract situation. The window of opportunity to do that is going to close quickly, however.
Offseason workout dates haven’t been announced yet. Last year, the Bills opened voluntary organized team activities on May 20 and kicked off mandatory minicamp on June 11.
If Cook doesn’t show up for OTAs, the conversation about a potential holdout will go mainstream and he’ll become virtually untradeable. That means fantasy managers have about two months to see if they can move him for anything of legitimate value.
This isn’t a situation where you should deal the 2022 second-round pick for pennies on the dollar, though. The most likely outcome still sees him playing for the Bills in 2025. This is more about weighing the risk against the reward than an all-out, must-trade scenario.
That said, if you can find a manager willing to pay full price (or somewhere close to it) for Cook following his 18-touchdown season, now’s the time to cash in. You won’t have to possibly spend the next five months worrying about whether he’ll suit up come September.
Cook is a premier rushing talent. If you can’t find a trade partner, he should still provide fringe top-five numbers at the position next season. Of course, that’s as long as the nightmare holdout doesn’t come to fruition.
