Exclusive: Bills Legend Thurman Thomas Backs James Cook’s Bills Deal and Names Him Second-Best Player

Thurman Thomas believes James Cook's deal with the Buffalo Bills is a "fair" one for both sides.

The 25-year-old running back held out for a short period of time before agreeing to a four-year, $48 million contract extension with $30 million guaranteed. The deal makes Cook the sixth-highest paid back in the NFL and is the most guaranteed money for a running back in the last five years.

Cook’s Career Year and Contract: A Win for Both Sides

"I think that contract was fair for both sides, absolutely," Thomas told SportsBoom.com, in a one-on-one interview. 

"He'll probably come out and have a great year and people say, 'Man, they underpaid him.' But I want people to say that. I want people to say, 'Yeah, we got him at a good price because he's really performing well.' And that might get back to the player, 'I told you I was worth a little more.' But I think both sides are very happy where they're at."

Cook is coming off of a career year after co-leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns and clinching his second consecutive Pro Bowl season. The 25-year-old ran for 16 touchdowns in addition to 1,009 yards rushing.

Thomas Ranks Cook as Buffalo’s Second-Best Player Behind Josh Allen

Thomas, a Hall of Fame running back and former NFL MVP, goes so far as to say that Cook is the "second-best" player on the Bills behind MVP Josh Allen.

"It's really hard to say who he reminds me, he reminds me of James Cook," says Thomas. 

"And I watched James Cook a lot at the University of Georgia, and he was always a guy who was making plays. Not really a big guy that could carry 25-to-30 times. I don't think he's built for that, and I don't think this team is built for that. But I can tell you right now, he's the second best player on our football team in the last couple of years behind Josh."

The 5-foot-11 Cook doesn't carry the ball much, carrying the ball 207 times, ranking 19th in the NFL. However, he ran for 4.9 yards per carry on his attempts.

During the AFC Championship Game, Cook had 134 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in the 32-29 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

"I think last year was a great year for James Cook, scored like 16 touchdowns," says Thomas. 

"And when you really think about it, he was the best player on the AFC Championship game against Kansas City. I thought he was the best player on the football team. I'm looking for bigger and better things, because this is something that this young kid wanted."

"He wanted to be here, he wanted to stay in Buffalo," Thomas continues to say. 

"He loves the community, loves Josh. Those guys feed off each other very, very well. I'm glad we got him for another three or four years, because I think he's going to make a huge difference."