The Ravens have decided to put a crown on King Henry’s head. And why wouldn’t they? This guy is a game-changer in all aspects of the play. He mows down defenders like they are maple leaves caught in a hailstorm. Derrick Henry celebrates a massive extension that’ll keep him in Baltimore all the way through to the 2027 season. He’s also celebrating becoming the highest-paid RB in the NFL who is over 30. But this contract-crown sticks out like a sore thumb for one particular Bills RB. Someone who has wanted the same thing that Henry is getting from his team. 

“I’m going to stand on what I stand on. And I don’t want to feel like a cancer at all. Because I don’t like all that attention and all that. That’s not me, honestly. I’m just standing on business and what I deserve. That’s it. What I deserve.” These words, once spoken in an interview by Bills RB James Cook, attest to his desire. He’s not asking for a lot, only what he deserves. But while his stalemate with the Bills front office continues, Derrick Henry’s contract extension reminded him of exactly what he was missing.

When Henry’s contract extension made waves on the internet, James Cook took to X to share a simple one-word message. But if you’ve been following him, you know for a fact that it’s not simple by a long shot. The message? “Congrats !” No emojis, no tags, just a repost with one word. But that one word spoke volumes. The running back market is changing, with players like Henry taking the lead. And James Cook doesn’t want to be left holding a white kerchief, waving at the pay-train as it passes him by. He wants the seat and the views that come along with it.

James Cook had even doubled down on his desires in an IG live session at one point. “I just feel like we’re deserving of it. Like, why not? We work all of our life to get paid. Feed me the big bucks – I want to go chase the highest of the highest and I’m going to keep doing it.” He’s a man on a mission. The mission? $15 million a year. Exactly what Derrick Henry will now get from the Ravens. But here’s the big question, as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, will he get the deal? The opinions are a little divided on this, but Cook remains hopeful.

James Cook’s big pay day?

James Cook has the numbers to back up his claim of $15 million. If you just look at the last season, he has completely outdone himself. He rushed 1,000+ yards in a total of 16 games. And this is the second season he’s done this. He also has two Pro-Bowls to make his case. Last season, he created 16 beautiful rushing TDs. This was a league-leading tie with Jahmyr Gibbs and, of course, Derrick Henry.

So the numbers are right there to compare himself with King Henry. But while the question remains if Cook will get a crown of his own, he’s not letting money come between football. “I just make sure the business is a business, and just do whatever I can to always be there for my teammates, and however it works out, it works out. And then we go play football.” That’s some peak dedication.

Even Bills GM Brandon Beane has no doubts about Cook’s love for the sport. “I know we’ve had people in the building that he’s been talking with, and I have no doubts when it’s time to play football, he’ll be ready to roll” Even if he’s waiting for a bigger payday, he’s not going to let that come in the way of his team’s chances of success. And Beane has also hinted at a little hope for Cook. In one interview, Beane was asked if Cook would play this year. His response? “Yes, he will be here this year, and hopefully beyond – We’re focused on this season but yes, for 2025 we’ll have all three backs. And again, we love James. We would love nothing more than to keep him here longer term. The immediate point right now is we got all three guys including him back for this season.”

So the front office clearly wants him to stay. And they might just sweeten the pot for him after all. Entering his fourth year of contract, James Cook is set to make a little north of $5 million this year. For now, Derrick Henry’s $15 million a year comes as a bittersweet moment for Cook. But there is certainly hope around the league that he will get the raise that he deserves. The only question we can ask ourselves at this point is, when will that be?