Multiple Bills insiders believe RB James Cook could take on a bigger passing-game role this season under new OC Pete Carmichael. Carmichael spent 19 of the last 20 seasons working with Sean Payton, whose offenses regularly featured RBs in the passing game, from Reggie Bush to Darren Sproles to Alvin Kamara. Cook has averaged a relatively modest 32.5 catches across his four NFL seasons, including 33 last year.
What They're Saying
WGR550's Sal Capaccio: "Pete Carmichael's gonna have a really interesting influence and say in one specific area ... I do think the RBs might be more involved in the passing game."
Syracuse.com's Matt Parrino: "I think one part of the evolution of this offense with Carmichael here now to bring maybe a little bit of that Saints offense to this offense is getting Cook more involved in the passing game. ... I think Carmichael's biggest fingerprint is going to be maybe in the running back passing game."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact
Cook hasn't racked up big pass-catching volume with Buffalo, but he's been very efficient. In fact, his career 9.0 yards per catch ranks fourth among 62 RBs with 50+ catches over the last four seasons. Cook's yearly finishes in yards per route among RBs with 30+ targets:
- 2022: 15th out of 43
- 2023: 6th out of 43
- 2024: 21st out of 37
- 2025: 20th out of 40
Cook also averaged a big 10.9 yards per catch on 67 college grabs.
It'd certainly make sense for Buffalo to get Cook more involved as a receiver. And that could truly unlock his fantasy upside. Cook finished RB6 in PPR points per game last year, despite ranking outside the top 20 at the position in targets and catches.
We'll keep a close eye on Cook's passing-game usage in training camp and preseason action. For now, he's a fine value at his late-first-round ADP.
