3 reasons why Bills' running back James Cook will have a career year in 2024

2.) Has the opportunity to contribute more in the passing game

Buffalo’s offense could look a lot different going into next season. Wide receivers Stefon Diggs and late bloomer Khalil Shakir will be in uniform next season, but guys like Gabe Davis and Trent Sherfield have more than likely played their last down for the Bills. One of the reasons why a guy like Christian McCaffrey is arguably the best player in the NFL is because he plays great in between the tackles, but he is a valuable weapon for Brock Purdy in the passing game. There were flashes of greatness in the passing game from Cook this season in Buffalo.

He was able to score a majority of his touchdowns from passes from Allen. In his rookie season, Cook had just 180 receiving yards. This past year, he doubled that number with 445 yards through the air, which included a 5-catch, 83-yard, 1-touchdown performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 14 that helped lead the Bills to a 20-17 victory.

Running backs who are versatile and can catch passes to make plays in the open field are very valuable, more than they ever have been. Cook has those abilities and with the receiving game in Buffalo being up in the air, this could allow new offensive coordinator Joe Brady to open the playbook more for Cook’s benefit.