Cowboys-Bills Trade Proposal Sends Projected $40 Million Star to Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys are on the lookout for a running back, and the Buffalo Bills may be able to provide one through trade.
While contract talks between running back James Cook and the Bills have been rocky, recent reports suggest the situation could be worse than initially thought. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Cook may not be long for Buffalo, as he has reportedly “disconnected himself from the organization and city” and even put his house up for sale. Schefter believes it’s unlikely that Cook will remain with the Bills for much longer, especially if contract talks don’t progress before training camp.
“If they don’t have a deal done by the start of training camp, does Cook show up? Does he risk the penalties for not attending?” Schefter said on his podcast. “He’s clearly unhappy with his situation.”
A trade that once seemed unlikely due to Cook’s role in the Bills’ offense now appears to be a real possibility, with general manager Brandon Beane potentially having no choice but to deal the two-time Pro Bowler.
The Dallas Cowboys are one team that could be very interested in trading for Cook. As noted by Pro Football and Sports Network’s Hayden Victoria, Dallas is still seeking answers at running back after Tony Pollard’s departure and a less-than-impressive 2024 running back committee.
“Cook offers proven production and the ability to carry a full workload,” Victoria wrote. “In an offense led by Dak Prescott and supported by a dynamic receiving corps, Cook could become the featured back Dallas needs.”
The Cowboys lost their leading rusher from 2024, Rico Dowdle, to free agency. Since then, they’ve added Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and rookie Jaydon Blue to the mix. However, Williams underperformed in Denver, Sanders seems past his prime, and Blue is still an unknown entering his rookie year.
Cook would represent a massive upgrade over this trio and would add another explosive weapon to Dallas’ offense alongside CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. The threat of the Cowboys’ high-powered passing attack would also give Cook plenty of room to operate.
Before pulling the trigger on a trade, the Cowboys would need to sort out Cook’s contract. Spotrac projects a four-year, $40.8 million deal for the running back, but it’s likely that Cook is aiming for a more lucrative contract, possibly around $15 million per year. While the Cowboys’ financial outlook for 2026 isn’t ideal, their cap situation improves in 2027, which could allow them to fit a sizable extension for Cook if they push some money into future years.
Given that running back is the missing piece for Dallas’ offense, they should do everything possible to acquire Cook if he becomes available.
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