With the start of training camp just a month away, the Buffalo Bills are turning their full attention to the 2025 NFL season. After years of coming close, including last season’s heart-wrenching loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, the franchise is more determined than ever to break through and finally reach the Super Bowl. This goal has eluded the Bills despite being perennial contenders over the past five years, falling to the Chiefs in four of those postseason runs.
As Buffalo looks to make a serious push this year, all aspects of the roster are under scrutiny, especially when it comes to contract situations and long-term planning. One of the major question marks centers around star running back James Cook. The two-time Pro Bowler has been a vital piece of Buffalo’s offense in recent seasons. Now entering his fourth year in the league, Cook is playing out the final season of his rookie deal without an extension in place — a risky position for any NFL player given the injury risk associated with the sport.
Cook’s unresolved contract situation has sparked speculation about his future with the team. Some believe that a trade could benefit both sides — allowing Cook to secure a new deal elsewhere while giving the Bills potential assets in return. Among those advocating for a trade is Pete Martuneac of Sports Illustrated, who has suggested that the Chicago Bears make a move for Cook.
According to Martuneac, the Bears, who failed to land standout running back Ashton Jeanty in the 2025 NFL Draft, are still searching for a dependable starter in the backfield. He argues that Cook could be the answer, suggesting a potential player-for-player swap involving Chicago’s current running back D’Andre Swift. Martuneac points out that Cook rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 16 touchdowns in 2024 — production that could immediately elevate the Bears’ offense and provide rookie quarterback Caleb Williams with vital support.
While such a move might make sense for Chicago, the Bills have their own Super Bowl aspirations to consider. Trading away a dynamic weapon like Cook could weaken the offense, especially since Buffalo doesn’t have a proven replacement ready to take over his role. Given the urgency to win now and quarterback Josh Allen’s reliance on Cook, moving him this offseason could cause disruption and frustration within the locker room.
From Buffalo’s perspective, the smarter strategy may be to keep Cook for the 2025 campaign and allow him to enter free agency next spring. With a closing championship window and limited time to capitalize on their core players’ prime years, the Bills may be better off holding onto one of their most explosive playmakers for one more run at the Super Bowl.
