This is exactly the kind of offensive philosophy the Buffalo Bills need heading into 2026: Bills offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has emphasized wanting to use running back James Cook more in the passing game this season, and I think that is 100% the way to go to help improve this offense even more.

James Cook is one of the most versatile backs in the NFL, and Buffalo needs to take full advantage of that skillset.

Cook’s receiving numbers speak for themselves

Look, when you have a back like Cook who is as dangerous in the passing game as he is in the running game, you have to use him. Not every team has a guy like that, contrary to popular belief. And Cook has the numbers to back it up.

Over his career, Cook has hauled in 130 receptions on 164 targets. That kind of efficiency is insane no matter what position you play. On top of that, he averages 9 yards per reception. This is an explosive playmaker out of the backfield, and there aren’t many linebackers or safeties in the league who can cover him.

What this means for Josh Allen and the rest of the offense

This move should take so much pressure off of quarterback Josh Allen. Having somebody right next to him in the backfield who doubles as a legitimate weapon in the passing game changes the math for opposing defenses. They can’t just hang over the top and assume they’re going to be all right. They have to play more downhill and account for Cook, which limits their ability to take away Buffalo’s catch-and-run opportunities.

And that, in turn, opens things up for the entire receiving corps. If defenses are playing honest because of Cook’s presence, guys like DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer, and maybe even Keon Coleman and Skyler Bell should see more favorable coverages. That’s a big deal for an offense trying to take another step.

The versatility is what makes this exciting

I think the Bills can use Cook on a wide variety of things in the passing game, and that’s what makes this so intriguing. We’re not just talking about screens or little checkdown dump-off passes. They can deploy him on angle routes. They could take him deep and motion him out wide depending on the coverage they get. The possibilities are there for Carmichael and passing game coordinator Joe Brady to get creative.

I’m excited to see how Buffalo deploys Cook as a receiver this season. I think leaning into his versatility will pay huge dividends for the Bills in 2026.