Bills Announce James Cook Development After Win Over Panthers
James Cook and the Buffalo Bills got back on track in Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season, snapping a two-game skid with a 40-9 win over Andy Dalton and the Carolina Panthers. The Bills now jump to 5-2 on the year and will return home in Week 9 for an AFC Championship rematch with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Cook delivered one of his best performances of the season, rushing 19 times for a career-high 216 yards and two touchdowns, while Josh Allen added a scoring strike to Khalil Shakir. Cook’s 216 rushing yards are the most by a Bills player in a single game since 1976.
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook reacts after scoring a touchdownBrian Fluharty-Imagn Images
The last Buffalo running back to record more rushing yards than Cook was Pro Football Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson, who recorded 29 carries for a franchise-record 273 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-14 loss to the Detroit Lions in 1976.
Cook now ranks sixth in Bills history for most rushing yards in a single game, with four of the top five spots belonging to Simpson. The other belongs to Cookie Gilchrist, who ran for 246 yards in a 1963 win over the New York Jets. Cook also becomes the first Buffalo player to reach 200 yards since Fred Jackson tallied 33 carries for 212 yards and one receiving touchdown in a 2009 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
"RB JAMES COOK III set a career high with 216 rushing yards, the most rushing yards by a Bill since November 25, 1976, when O.J. Simpson logged 273 yards," Buffalo Bills PR posted on X. "He became the first Bill to surpass 200 yards rushing since 2009 (Fred Jackson, 212 rushing yards) in Week 17 vs. IND."
Cook also becomes the third Bills player to have 214 or more rushing yards and two or more rushing touchdowns in a game, joining Simpson and Gilchrist. The Bills will host the Chiefs on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
BREAKING NEWS: Taysom Hill’s Historic Contract Secures His Future with the Saints
In a groundbreaking move that is sending shockwaves through the NFL, the New Orleans Saints have announced an unprecedented contract for their star utility player, Taysom Hill. Team owner Gayle Benson revealed that Hill, one of the league’s most versatile and resilient playmakers, has signed a deal that will keep him with the Saints for life—an historic commitment that sets a new standard in the NFL. This contract is about more than football; it’s about cementing the bond between Hill and the city of New Orleans for generations to come.
“THIS ISN’T JUST A CONTRACT; IT’S A LEGACY. TAYSOM HILL ISN’T JUST THE FUTURE OF THE SAINTS—HE IS NEW ORLEANS. FROM THE MOMENT HE JOINED THE TEAM, HE BECAME OUR IDENTITY, OUR HEART. THIS IS MORE THAN FOOTBALL—IT’S ABOUT HONORING A CONNECTION BETWEEN PLAYER AND CITY THAT WILL LAST FOREVER,” said Benson in a statement that has resonated deeply with both fans and players across the league.
Hill, who joined the Saints in 2017, has become one of the most unique and dynamic players in the NFL. Known for his versatility, athleticism, and ability to impact every aspect of the game—whether at quarterback, tight end, or special teams—Hill has consistently demonstrated that he is a game-changer. His relentless work ethic, leadership, and ability to adapt have made him the heartbeat of the Saints' offense and special teams.
This deal, however, represents more than just a financial commitment to Hill’s on-field performance. It’s a bold statement that the Saints are fully invested in their future and their star player. Hill’s deep connection to New Orleans, his commitment to the team, and his passion for the game have made him a beloved figure in the city, and the Saints are making it clear that he is the foundation upon which they will continue to build their championship aspirations.
Hill’s journey with the Saints has been nothing short of spectacular. From his humble beginnings as a versatile player to his key role in New Orleans’ successes, Hill has proven that he is a player who can transcend traditional positions. His unique ability to adapt to various roles, combined with his leadership, has earned him the respect and admiration of teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
With this new contract, Hill will continue to be the face of the Saints for the foreseeable future, leading the team as they aim to contend for championships in the NFC. His electrifying presence on the field has already made the Saints one of the most exciting teams to watch, and now, with this lifetime commitment, he will be remembered as one of the most iconic figures in the history of the franchise.
As Benson stated, “This is more than football.” This contract represents a partnership between a player and a city—a bond that will endure long after Hill’s playing career has ended. For the Saints and their passionate fanbase, this is just the beginning of a new era, one where Taysom Hill will remain the symbol of the team’s strength, resilience, and relentless pursuit of greatness.
In an NFL where stars often come and go, the Saints have ensured they will have one of the most unique and impactful players in the league for the long haul. With Hill leading the charge, the future in New Orleans has never looked brighter. This is not just a contract; this is a legacy, and it’s one that will be remembered for years to come.
