Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or James Cook

Tuesday, March 4, 2:27 PM

The Philadelphia Eagles are signing running back Saquon Barkley to a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. This deal makes Barkley the first-ever $20 million per year ball-carrier and locks him in through the 2027 campaign. The former New York Giants' No. 2 overall pick dominated in his first season with Philly, racking up 2,005 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns in 16 games. His new deal includes $36 million in total guarantees, and he can earn up to an additional $15 million in incentives and escalators. The 28-year-old's new deal could signal a market increase for running backs moving forward after the position became devalued over the last half-decade.

Tuesday, April 22, 2:59 PM

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook did not report to the start of the organization's voluntary OTAs, according to general manager Brandon Beane. The former second-round pick out of Georgia posted his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season in 2024 and is seeking a contract extension worth $15 million annually. In 16 games last season, Cook posted 1,009 yards on 207 carries and caught 32 passes for 258 yards. He found the end zone 18 times. It remains to be seen if Cook is a candidate to hold out of mandatory OTAs or training camp, but for now, it's too early to have any significant takeaways. If he's the clear starter in Buffalo next season, he'll continue to have RB1 upside in an offense led by MVP quarterback Josh Allen.