Bills RB James Cook’s big-play prowess key for potential surge in 2026

Buffalo Bills star running back James Cook will get the opportunity to take his game to the next level in 2026 following his career year last season.

Cook led the NFL in rushing yards in 2025 with 1,621. He also followed up his NFL-leading 16 rushing touchdowns from the 2024 season with another 12 last season. Cook was brilliant in the ground game for the Bills in 2025. He made teams pay in a variety of ways in Buffalo’s offense, including as a receiver, and produced statistically in ways that not only distinguished him from his peers, but also offered a blueprint for him to potentially ascend as soon as next season.

According to NFL.com, Cook finished with the third-most big plays in the NFL in 2025, constituted as rushes of 10 or more yards and receptions of 20 or more yards, with 43.

Cook has the chance to further himself as a top-tier running back in the NFL next season with more big plays, especially in the receiving department.

Bijan Robinson, Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry and Jahmyr Gibbs are the best of the best at the position, along with Cook. Robinson, McCaffrey and Gibbs produce like legitimate wide receivers, which Cook may be able to gain ground on with an improved repertoire in the receiving game off of short and intermediate routes next season. Such an improvement may elevate his profile to premier status at the position.

Bills Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2026 NFL season.

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Bills RB James Cook’s big-play prowess key for potential surge in 2026