James Cook Announces Entering $26.9 Billion Industry After Bills Contract Extension

“It means a lot just to be here in Buffalo.” Buffalo Bills RB James Cook revealed to reporter Pam Oliver after inking a 4-year, $48 million deal. Even though the Bills bolstered their squad with the likes of Elijah Moore, Joshua Palmer, and Joey Bosa, among others, re-upping Cook might be their best roster move this summer. The second-round pick arrived three years ago and has since missed just one game through injury, appearing in 49 of 50 games. Cook scored 16 rushing touchdowns, which was the joint-best in the league last year, along with Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs, which came off the back of consecutive 1000+ yards rushing. And now, Cook is complementing his on-field success by entering a new business collaboration to develop his off-field portfolio.

James Cook recently announced a team-up with Rich Products to launch a limited-edition cookie, called…wait for it…the James Cookie. Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday, James Cook talked about entering the $26.9 billion cookie industry and the inspiration behind the name of this product. “I guess my last name,” he said. Cook also revealed that it was his agent who came up with this offer.

“The Mafia is the best in the league, so teaming up with Rich’s to create something designed for them is special,” Cook said. “The James Cookie is all about big, bold flavor that brings people together. I’m excited for fans to try it.”

The excitement about this venture is mutual, as Alvino Battistoni, senior vice president, In-Store Bakery & Deli Division, Rich Products, said, “Football season in Buffalo is full of passion, pride, and energy, and that’s exactly what this cookie celebrates. As a company rooted in Buffalo for 80 years, Rich’s has a deep appreciation and love for our community. James Cook is an electric player, and we’re excited to team up with him to introduce a cookie that is bold, full of flavor, and perfect for game day or any celebration.”

As per sources, these cookies are praline-coated pretzels, with Rice Crispy Crunch, toffee bits, white chocolate, and red, white, and blue sprinkles. The cookies can be found in local spots around Western New York, including Tops, Delta Sonic, Kwik Fill-Red Apple, Crosby’s, and Bella Pizza, and even in Walmart and Amazon.

As his off-field venture takes off, James Cook also opened up about his new contract with the Bills, after some lengthy negotiations which resulted in a training camp holdout.

James Cook opened up about his contract extension

As previously alluded to, James Cook signed a 4-year, $48 million deal with the Bills in the offseason. When asked about it, Cook sounded very enthusiastic about the new contract, saying, “Of course, you know,  just all the work that I have put in over the off-season to get to that point is just a blessing and just thank God that it was able to get done,” he said.

Cook’s new deal bumps his salary to $12 million per year, a huge leap from the $5.27 million he was set to make in the final year of his rookie contract. It puts him among the top-paid running backs in the league, reflecting the impact he’s had over the past two seasons. “I just want to spend the rest of my career here and be here forever,” Cook told Maddy Glab after signing the deal.

That dedication has been evident in his performance. He had back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns. In 2024, he led the Bills with 16 rushing touchdowns, tying for the most in the league. The path to this deal wasn’t without drama. Cook had skipped voluntary offseason workouts and even held out briefly during training camp, citing “business” reasons. But after returning to practice, there was no doubt that he was up for the grind.