Buffalo, NY – March 25, 2025, 11:55 AM PDT
Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane has reportedly blamed Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley for inflating the running back market, a shift that has fueled salary demands from Bills’ star James Cook, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Beane’s frustration stems from Cook’s push for a $15 million per year extension, a figure that has created tension within the Bills’ front office.

Barkley signed a 2-year, $41.2 million extension with the Eagles on March 4, becoming the highest-paid RB in NFL history with a $20.6 million APY, surpassing Christian McCaffrey’s $19 million. The deal, with $36 million guaranteed, followed Barkley’s 2024 season where he led the NFL with 2,504 rushing yards and helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LIX (web ID: 19). Beane sees Barkley’s contract as the catalyst for Cook’s demands, which have strained the Bills’ $2.276 million cap space (web ID: 10).

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“Saquon’s deal reset the market, and now every RB wants that kind of money,” Beane reportedly said in a private conversation with league executives. “It’s made things tougher with James—he’s looking at Saquon’s numbers and wants the same.” Cook, a two-time Pro Bowler, led the NFL with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024, adding 1,009 yards, but his 48% snap count raises questions about his value at $15 million. Cook has been vocal, pinning “15 mill year” on Instagram Live and affirming his stance on X (web ID: 0, 7, 9).

Beane has acknowledged Cook’s importance but prefers private negotiations, a stance challenged by Cook’s public demands (web ID: 10). Bills fans on X are divided: “Beane’s right—Barkley’s deal messed things up,” posted @BillsMafia, while @BuffaloFan countered, “Stop blaming Saquon and pay Cook!” As the Bills navigate their offseason, Beane faces a tough balancing act.