The Las Vegas Raiders have had one of the league’s top punters ever since they added A.J. Cole as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Since then, Cole has punted for 18,193 yards along with an impressive 48.6 yards per punt, ranking ninth in punt yardage and third in yards per punt in that span per Statmuse. His efforts have earned him three Pro Bowls and two First-Team All-Pro selections.
Cole had a solid 2024 campaign, finishing second in yards per punt and fourth in net average, but had the fewest percentage of punts inside the 20 and the highest percentage of touchbacks in his career. He had 65 punts for 3,304 yards and 50.8 yards per punt, along with 2,850 net yards and a 42.5 net punt average. Finally, the All-Pro also had 27 (41.5%) punts inside the 20 and eight (12.3%) touchbacks.
The Las Vegas Raiders’ All-Pro enters the final year of his contract
Las Vegas Raiders, A.J. Cole
Jul 27, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, US; Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) answers question to the media during training camp at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
A.J. Cole enters the final year of his four-year, $12 million contract, which he signed during the 2021 season. Cole is scheduled to earn a $3,333,000 base salary, a $400,000 prorated signing bonus, $0 guaranteed, and a $3,733,000 cap hit in 2025. He is currently tied for the fourth-highest salary based on APY and has the fifth-highest cap hit by a punter in 2025.
Since he is one of the top players at his position, has plenty of good years left in him, and enters the final year of his contract, it would be logical if the front office secured him to a long-term contract extension now rather than later.
He signed a historic contract
Las Vegas Raiders, A.J. Cole
Jan 9, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders punter A.J. Cole (6) celebrates as he comes off the field after the Raiders defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 35-32 at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
According to Jordan Schultz, the Las Vegas Raiders and A.J. Cole have agreed to a historic contract extension. As Schultz points out, the deal is for four years and is worth $15.8 million, along with $11 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid punter in NFL history. As a result, Cole will be under contract through 2029.
Sources: The #Raiders and 2x First-Team All-Pro punter AJ Cole have agreed to a 4-year, $15.8M extension with $11M guaranteed, making him the highest-paid punter in the NFL.
Cole had one year remaining on his current deal, so he’s now under contract for the next 5 seasons at… pic.twitter.com/oo7tmmsE1Z
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 26, 2025
Fans react to the news
USATSI 22106055 168400517 lowres
Dec 14, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders fans cheer before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Big bag nice contract for a Punter 💸
— VFAM (@vfam_meta) May 26, 2025
punter respect 🫡
— Shepard 💥 (@CicleLime) May 26, 2025
Good move, but what we still doing with all that cap space – sign a CB
— Oil Oracle (@OilOracle) May 26, 2025
Well deserved
— trissy (@trollbasaur24) May 26, 2025
Now do Colton miller
— ☠️OAKLAND INVADER☠️ (@OaklandInvader) May 26, 2025
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