Trade Proposal Sends James Cook From Bills to Bears Amid Contract Standoff
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is seeking a lucrative contract extension, but one analyst believes the team could opt to trade him rather than meet his steep demands. Cook is reportedly aiming for a deal worth $15 million annually. However, Bills general manager Brandon Beane has stated that the two sides are far from reaching an agreement and that there are no ongoing contract negotiations.
With Cook entering the final year of his rookie deal and hinting at a possible holdout, WGR 550 reporter Joe DiBiase proposed a trade scenario that would send Cook to the Chicago Bears in exchange for running back D’Andre Swift and a fourth-round draft pick.
Although Cook has been highly productive, recording back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons and leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns last year with 16, DiBiase argues that a trade could benefit both teams. The move would give Buffalo a short-term solution at running back without committing to a massive contract, while the Bears could invest in a player that head coach Ben Johnson hand-picks to lead the backfield.
Swift, who has just $1.3 million in guaranteed salary for the 2026 season, would be a more cost-effective option for the Bills. DiBiase emphasized the potential financial benefit for both franchises, noting that the Bears could save $8 million in 2025 and another $7 million in 2026 by swapping Swift for Cook.
Swift, 26, is also coming off two of the best years of his career, amassing 2,018 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns combined over the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Cook’s future with the Bills remains uncertain. When asked recently by Poker News about his contract, he declined to provide details, saying he preferred to let the business side play out privately. He didn’t rule out a holdout but emphasized his desire to support his teammates no matter the situation.
“I necessarily don’t want to talk about it right now, because it’s something I want to hold in to myself … just let the business take care of the business,” Cook said. “However it works out, it works out.”
Cook was the only player absent from Buffalo’s voluntary OTAs this week, although Beane downplayed the significance and said he expects Cook to participate once mandatory workouts begin.
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