On Monday, AJ Cole, a two-time All-Pro, reached an agreement with the Las Vegas Raiders for a four-year, $15.8 million extension. This agreement establishes him as the highest-paid punter in the NFL.
According to an individual who is acquainted with the agreement, the agreement includes $11 million in guaranteed funds and incentives that have the potential to enhance its value. The individual disclosed the news to The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity, as the team had yet to disclose the contract.
The initial report regarding the agreement was issued by Fox Sports.
Cole was set to receive $3.3 million in base salary this season under his contract, which was set to expire after one year. However, an extension was reached to ensure that he remained under contract until the 2029 season.
Cole is one of the few players on the Raiders roster who was with the club prior to the team’s relocation to Las Vegas in 2020. Kicker Daniel Carlson, edge rusher Maxx Crosby, and tackle Kolton Miller are the sole current Raiders who have previously played for the franchise in Oakland.
Cole joined the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and has since established himself as one of the most accomplished punters in the league. He was a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in both 2021 and 2023, and he also participated in the Pro Bowl in 2022.
Cole is the top-ranked punter among the 31 punters who have made at least 175 punts since joining the league, with 44.9% of his punts landing inside the 20-yard line. Additionally, he is eighth in net average (42.1 yards) and third in gross punting average (48.6 yards).
Cole and Ryan Stenhouse share the record for the most seasons with an average of 50 yards per punt, having averaged at least 50 yards per punt in three of the last four seasons.
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