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As the NFL offseason begins to unfold, one name that has quickly emerged as a fan favorite for Pittsburgh Steelers supporters is Buffalo Bills running back James Cook. The demand for the young rusher to join the Steelers is growing, with many fans taking to social media and sports forums to express their desire to see Cook don the black and gold. But why is there such a strong push for Cook in Pittsburgh, and what would a potential trade for the 2022 second-round pick look like? Let’s dive into this growing topic and break down what it could mean for the Steelers and Cook’s future in the NFL.

### James Cook: A Quick Overview

James Cook, the younger brother of Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After playing college football at the University of Georgia, where he was a key contributor to the Bulldogs’ national championship win in 2022, Cook arrived in Buffalo with high expectations.

Cook had a promising rookie season with the Bills, totaling 507 yards and two touchdowns on 89 carries. He also made an impact in the passing game, hauling in 21 receptions for 180 yards and another touchdown. Despite his solid start, the Bills’ running back rotation has been crowded, with veteran Devin Singletary leading the charge during Cook’s rookie season. After Singletary’s departure in free agency, the Bills added Damien Harris and brought back veteran Latavius Murray, which has continued to complicate Cook’s role in Buffalo.

While Cook has shown flashes of his potential, his situation in Buffalo appears uncertain with a crowded backfield and a team that relies heavily on its high-powered passing attack. As a result, some fans and analysts have begun to suggest that Cook might be better suited for a change of scenery — and the Pittsburgh Steelers are quickly becoming the most popular landing spot.

### Why Steelers Fans Want James Cook

Steelers fans are clamoring for the addition of James Cook for a variety of reasons, most notably the team’s need for a more dynamic, versatile running back to complement their offense. Let’s take a closer look at why Cook is generating so much interest from Pittsburgh faithful.

#### 1. **Versatility in the Backfield**

One of the primary reasons Steelers fans are so interested in Cook is his versatility. As a runner, Cook has a lot of tools in his arsenal. He possesses excellent vision, quickness, and a burst that can help him explode through the line of scrimmage. More importantly, Cook is a dynamic receiving threat out of the backfield, something that the Steelers offense has lacked in recent years.

While Najee Harris is the established starting running back in Pittsburgh, his lack of production as a pass catcher has been a noticeable weakness. Harris has struggled to create separation as a route runner and lacks the burst that a more agile back like Cook can bring. The Steelers’ offense would benefit greatly from Cook’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield, allowing quarterback Kenny Pickett to spread the ball around and take advantage of mismatches in the passing game.

#### 2. **Improving the Running Game**

The Steelers’ running game has been inconsistent over the past few seasons, particularly in 2023 when Najee Harris and the offensive line struggled to find any rhythm. Pittsburgh finished 24th in rushing yards per game last season, a disappointing stat for a team that prides itself on physical, smash-mouth football. Adding a running back with Cook’s speed and agility could help change that dynamic.

Cook is a much faster and more elusive back compared to Harris, who is more of a power runner. Cook’s ability to stretch the field and make defenders miss in the open field would give the Steelers another dimension to their offense. Whether it’s on outside zone runs or screen passes, Cook’s burst would immediately open up opportunities for the Steelers to diversify their offensive scheme and keep opposing defenses on their toes.

#### 3. **Fresh Legs and a Change of Pace**

Steelers fans also want Cook because he would provide a much-needed change of pace in the backfield. Harris has been the bell cow back for Pittsburgh, but his heavy workload over the past two seasons has led to some diminishing returns. Cook would allow Harris to take some of the pressure off his shoulders, potentially leading to fresher legs and a more efficient offense as a whole.

By sharing the backfield with Cook, Harris would have more opportunities to focus on what he does best — running between the tackles and handling goal-line duties — while Cook handles the quicker, more explosive plays on the outside. This one-two punch could become a nightmare for opposing defenses.

#### 4. **Adding Youth to the Backfield**

Pittsburgh has seen a steady decline in the age of their offensive playmakers, particularly on the offensive line and in the receiving corps. While the Steelers’ offense is building around younger talents like Kenny Pickett and George Pickens, the running back position is one area where they could add more youthful energy.

At 24 years old, Cook is still a relatively young player with plenty of room to develop. The Steelers would benefit greatly from having a player like Cook in the backfield for years to come, especially as they look to build around Pickett and transition toward a more modern offensive approach. Adding a young, dynamic running back to complement Harris and the passing game would be a step toward creating a more well-rounded offense.

### Could a Trade Happen?

While it makes sense for Steelers fans to be excited about the prospect of adding James Cook, the question remains: Could a trade realistically happen?

The Bills have shown that they’re not unwilling to part ways with talented players if they feel it’s in the team’s best interest. Cook’s role in Buffalo could remain limited, and as the Bills try to solidify their roster for a Super Bowl push, they may be open to trading him for additional assets, especially if they don’t view him as a long-term solution in their offense.

For the Steelers, adding Cook could come at a cost. Pittsburgh would likely need to send over a draft pick — perhaps a mid-round pick — or another player who could help Buffalo in an area of need. However, given the Bills’ depth at the running back position, a trade involving Cook might not be all that expensive, and it would provide a great return for Pittsburgh, considering Cook’s potential.

### What Would a Trade Look Like?

If a trade were to happen, the Steelers would likely target a mid-round draft pick (perhaps a third- or fourth-rounder) as a reasonable price for Cook. Pittsburgh would also have to consider the financial implications of adding a player like Cook to their roster, as they’d be taking on his current contract. Cook is still on his rookie deal, so he would come relatively cheap compared to other running backs, making him an appealing target for the cap-conscious Steelers.

If the Steelers were to offer a draft pick in exchange for Cook, it could be a win-win scenario. The Bills would gain additional assets to strengthen their roster, while the Steelers would land a young, explosive running back who can immediately make an impact.

### Conclusion

As the offseason progresses, the idea of James Cook joining the Pittsburgh Steelers continues to gain traction among fans. The combination of his versatility, speed, and ability to contribute as a pass catcher would be an ideal fit for the Steelers’ evolving offense. With a promising young quarterback in Kenny Pickett and a dynamic wide receiver in George Pickens, adding Cook to the mix could give Pittsburgh the balanced offensive attack they need to make a deeper playoff push in the coming seasons.

While a trade is not guaranteed, Steelers fans can dream of a backfield that includes both Najee Harris and James Cook — a powerful combination of size and speed that would be tough for any defense to handle. Only time will tell whether the Steelers front office decides to pull the trigger on a deal, but for now, the speculation is enough to get Pittsburgh fans excited about the possibility of Cook in black and gold.