James Cook got a new contract last year and backed it up by leading the NFL is rushing.<\/p>\n
Now, he\u2019s underpaid.<\/p>\n
The Buffalo Bills<\/a> gave Cook a $46 million, four-year deal that\u2019s a bargain compared to the money teams handed out to running backs this month.<\/p>\n He\u2019s not complaining. At least, not publicly.<\/p>\n \u201cJust keep growing, just keep elevating my game, be the best version of me,\u201d Cook said on the AP\u2019s \u201cOn Football\u201d podcast. \u201cEach and every day I step on the field, sky\u2019s the limit.\u201d<\/p>\n Jahmyr Gibbs<\/a> became the highest-paid running back in NFL history when the Detroit Lions<\/a> signed him to a $67.5 million, three-year contract with $51.5 million guaranteed and an average annual salary of $22.5 million.<\/p>\n Bijan Robinson<\/a> received a $66.75 million, three-year deal from the Atlanta Falcons<\/a> with $51.6 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $22.25 million.<\/p>\n The Indianapolis Colts<\/a> gave Jonathan Taylor<\/a> a $44 million, two-year deal.<\/p>\n Those contracts set a new bar for running backs, surpassing Saquon Barkley<\/a> ($20.6 million annually) and Christian McCaffrey<\/a> ($19 million annually).<\/p>\n Still, running backs are underpaid compared to wide receivers. Twenty-five receivers are making more money per season than Gibbs and Robinson. That includes Robinson\u2019s teammate, Drake London<\/a>. Robinson led the NFL last year in scrimmage yards with 2,298. London was 50th with 919 yards. But he\u2019s making $13 million more per season.<\/p>\n After the season, running backs could make this an issue like they did a few years ago when they met virtually to discuss their contracts.<\/p>\n For now, it\u2019s all business.<\/p>\n Cook is focused on trying to help the Bills get to an elusive Super Bowl victory.<\/p>\n