The Buffalo Bills could be targeting a chance to running back James Cook's workload this season.
Last offseason, the Buffalo Bills and running back James Cook were able to overcome a contract standoff and work out a new long-term extension. The two sides agreed to a four-year extension worth $48 million.
Cook rewarded the Bills for their belief in him by leading the NFL in rushing. He was a dominant force all season long. Heading into the 2026 season, he is expected to be one of the NFL's most productive running backs once again.
Throughout the course of the 2025 season, the Buffalo star played in all 17 games. He carried the football 309 times for 1,621 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.2 yards per attempt.
Cook also caught 33 passes for 291 yards and two more scores.
Ahead of the upcoming campaign, it sounds like the Bills may be targeting a workload change for Cook.
Joe Brady, the new head coach in Buffalo, spoke out about Cook's role. He was not ready to set any goal for the amount of touches the star running back will get in 2026.
“Can’t have mindset of how many carries he is going to have,” Brady said. “He played at such a high-level last year, but would love to have opportunities to get Ray Davis and Ty Johnson the ball.”
At the end of the day, taking a few carries away from Cook would likely be a wise choice for the Bills. The last thing they can afford is for the standout running back to wear down or get hurt as the season moves along.
Both Ray Davis and Ty Johnson are capable of being playmakers in the Buffalo offense. They shouldn't take too many carries away from Cook, but the goal should be to keep the starter fresh and healthy for late in the season and in the playoffs.
Regardless of what the Bills choose to do with the running back position, Cook will always give them a home run threat. He has taken a lot of pressure off of Josh Allen and the passing game, which will continue being the case.
Only time will tell, but it sounds like Cook might have a slightly smaller workload this year. That will only mean good things for Buffalo come playoff time.
