40 Pictures of James Cook Dominating for the Buffalo Bills

James Cook agreed to a new 4-year, $48 million contract with the Buffalo Bills today.

Many wondered if the Bills would re-sign him. After all, running backs have not been getting paid very often in recent years around the NFL. The belief by many teams has been that the position itself isn't as important as it used to be. The Bills seem to have followed that model, not taking running backs in the first round of drafts and even letting their starters walk when they wanted too much money. Cook breaks that trend.

It's understandable why, as well. Cook scored a whopping 18 touchdowns last season (2 running, 2 receiving). He is a game-changer who regularly busts huge runs at big moments of games. He's also beloved in the locker room. Cook's deal has $30 million guaranteed: the largest guarantee to any running back in 5 years. It's a $12 million per-season average, which is $3 million less than the top-paid back, Saquon Barkley.

More about Cook, keep scrolling. First, though, here are 40 Pictures of James Cook Dominating for the Buffalo Bills and showing why the team had to keep him.

40 Pictures of James Cook Dominating for the Buffalo Bills

James Cook signed a new 4-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. Here are 40 pictures showing you why the Bills had to keep him.

Gallery Credit: Getty Images

The knock on Cook has been that he has not been a workhorse back. He generally gets less than 50% of the offensive plays as the Bills like to run their backfield by committee and situation. Part of the reason he is not on the field more is that he struggles in pass protection. However, Cook allegedly made improving a priority this offseason and is committed to becoming a workhorse back for the Bills.

He'll have 4 years to prove it, but chances are he will. Cook has improved every year of his NFL career and is entering his prime playing years.