Josh Allen once joked during a charity event, “They say quarterbacks are only as good as the people around them. Well, guess I better start making some friends!” Fast forward to the 2025 NFL Draft weekend, and the Buffalo Bills are doing exactly that—giving Allen a few new ‘friends’ to help chase that elusive Super Bowl ring. From critical updates at running back to sneaky late-round wide receiver pickups, the Bills’ front office made it clear: they’re all in on supporting their franchise QB, even if some paths forward aren’t as smooth as they’d hoped.
The Buffalo Bills absolutely tried hard to strengthen their defense through the 2025 NFL Draft, and they succeeded while also sharpening their top-class offensive line. By drafting cornerback Maxwell Hairston in the first round, the team made it clear what strategy Josh Allen’s Bills are carrying into the 2025 season. But while picking up WR, OT, DB, and DT prospects, the Bills notably didn’t draft an RB. Does that mean Allen will still have his star running back for 2025? Wait a minute—the Bills GM just dropped a big update.
Bills GM Brandon Beane spoke to reporters post-draft on April 26. After initially talking about first-rounder Deone Walker, he shifted gears and dropped a significant update on Allen’s companion at the running back position. NFL media insider Sal Capaccio reported Beane’s words about James Cook, quoting, “Nothing gives me any concern about Jimbo (James Cook) being ready to play football for the Buffalo Bills this year.”
“Nothing gives me any concern about Jimbo (James Cook) being ready to play football for the Buffalo Bills this year.”
— Sal Capaccio (@SalSports) April 26, 2025
James Cook, who signed a four-year, $5,832,057 rookie deal with the Bills in 2022, is now entering the final year of his contract. Reports have suggested that Cook is seeking a sizable raise—specifically, an extension worth around $15 million per year. That’s where things got complicated: talks between the Bills and Cook reportedly stalled about four weeks ago.
While addressing a press conference on April 1, 2025, Beane had hinted that a deal wasn’t imminent, saying, “I don’t see us getting something done anytime soon. We’re on to the draft. Just because we don’t get something done this year doesn’t mean we can’t get something done before he’s a free agent.” Shortly after, Cook surprised fans by listing his Florida home for sale, adding fuel to rumors about an eventual departure. But now, Beane’s latest comments suggest that, contract or no contract, Cook is expected to be back on the field with Allen in 2025. And frankly, fans can breathe a little easier because Cook’s production is hard to replace.
In 2024, James Cook ranked first among running backs in touchdowns, scoring 16 times. He racked up 1,009 yards on 207 rushing attempts, averaging an impressive 4.9 yards per carry. That level of contribution will be crucial as the Bills look to maximize Allen’s prime years.
While the GM works the numbers behind the scenes for a possible Cook extension, the Bills continued adding offensive depth elsewhere, particularly with their seventh-round pick.
Josh Allen gets Maryland’s finest wide receiver
“With the 240th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select Kaden Prather, WR, Maryland.” That’s what Roger Goodell announced on April 26 as Buffalo made their ninth and final selection of the draft. Kaden Prather’s college career shows steady growth. He played two seasons at West Virginia before transferring to Maryland for his final two years. So why all the hype?
He truly turned heads during Maryland’s October 20, 2024, game against South Carolina. In that outing, Prather hauled in nine receptions for 111 yards—averaging 12.3 yards per catch—and showcased his ability to make big plays when it mattered most. Across the 2024 season, he finished with 56 receptions for 624 yards and four touchdowns.
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 15: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen 17 talks to the fans during the Detroit Lions versus the Buffalo Bills game on Sunday December 15, 2024 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 15 Bills at Lions EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon258202412150668
Draft analyst Lance Zierlein noted: “Prather is not explosive—though he builds and carries speed to create deep windows—and needs to do a better job of finishing routes and catches.” Still, his ability to take long strides, his commitment to deeper routes, and his strength after the catch could be a sneaky asset for Josh Allen, especially as Buffalo looks to open up more scoring opportunities in the end zone.
With Cook expected back and Prather now in the fold, the Bills are quietly stacking complementary pieces for their quarterback. If the chemistry clicks early, the 2025 season could be a very different story for Buffalo. The foundation is there. Now it’s time to see if Josh Allen and his ‘new friends’ can turn it into something special.
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