An emotional James Cook put pen to paper Wednesday, signing a contract extension through the 2029 season just one day after the two-time Pro Bowl running back rejoined his Buffalo Bills teammates in the backfield.

Cook, 25, was entering the final year of his rookie contract and will receive $30 million guaranteed and average of $12 million per season on the four-year extension, according to multiple reports.

He teared up as he signed his contract, as shown on a video the Bills shared to their X account.

"I wanna put my shades on." – @thegreat__4 ??#GoBills | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/KXTUPPxgvC

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) August 13, 2025

Bills general manager Brandon Beane trumpeted the news on Wednesday morning before the team hit the practice field, pointing to anticipated longevity in tandem with quarterback Josh Allen as the foundation stones of the Bills’ offense.

“We’re excited with where he’s at, and he’s still a young talent,” Beane said Wednesday. “And as we’ve said in here, don’t think he’s been overtaxed, or a guy that his the tread on his tires is getting worn by any means.”

Buffalo signed Allen to a contract extension through the 2030 season and locked up top receiver Khalil Shakir, 25, with a four-year, $53 million deal in the offseason.

“We want to draft and develop and re-sign,” Beane said. “You guys know all the money we’ve doled out this offseason. This is another draft pick that we’re proud of and excited to extend.

“Fortunately, late last night, we got it across the finish line.”

The deal puts Cook tied for sixth among running backs in the NFL based on new money per season.

The news comes one day after Cook opted to participate in practice for the first time since he informed the team of plans to sit out as part of a “business” decision tied to his expiring contract. Head coach Sean McDermott said before Tuesday’s practice “things have changed,” and getting the running back on the field was critical, Beane said.

“I think we had an understanding that we need to practice if we’re gonna be able to get back to the table,” Beane said. “I think there was good faith on both parts, from him and his agent to our side. Once we got him back on the practice field, we really worked hard yesterday. … I think it was roughly 11 o’clock or so last night where we were able to say both sides were good with this and we’ll get it signed in the morning.”

Cook’s agent, Zac Hiller, said the outcome is what the running back wanted all along.

“James could only envision himself as a Buffalo Bill,” Hiller said, per ESPN. “We are extremely thankful to the entire Bills organization and glad we could make that happen.”

Cook had 16 rushing touchdowns and scored in 12 of the Bills’ 17 regular-season games in 2024.

He has rushed for 2,638 yards and 20 touchdowns and caught 97 passes for 883 yards and seven scores in 49 games since being drafted in the second round in 2022.

Cook dressed but did not play in the preseason opener last week, a 34-25 loss to the New York Giants. In his absence, the Bills turned to Ray Davis and Ty Johnson. Frank Gore Jr. put up 50 receiving yards on a team-best five receptions and had 21 rushing yards.

–Field Level Media