The Las Vegas Raiders brought in a new head coach and general manager tandem this offseason with Pete Carroll and John Spytek. These two are replacing Antonio Pierce and Tom Telesco, who helped the team win just four games during the 2024 NFL season.
Several starters left this offseason as the new regime came to Las Vegas, and a handful more have not received contract extensions ahead of next year's free agency period.
However, on Monday, the Raiders reportedly signed punter AJ Cole to a four-year extension, according to Fox Sports NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. The deal is worth $15.8 million, with $11 million guaranteed. This is the largest amount of guaranteed money given to a punter in franchise history.
Las Vegas Raiders P AJ Cole (6).
Las Vegas Raiders P AJ Cole (6).
Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Cole has played in all 100 games for the Silver and Black over the last six seasons, earning two First-Team All-Pro nods in 2021 and 2023, as well as three Pro Bowl selections. He responded to the news of his record-breaking contract with a simple message on Monday.
"raider nation for life !!!!!" Cole wrote.
This deal also makes Cole the league's highest paid punter in terms of total money, total guarantees, and average annual salary. He surpassed the Seattle Seahawks' Michael Dickson, who previously held the league-high with $14.7 million total.
The new contract means that Cole will be a Raider through 2029. He will turn 34 years old during the final year of this deal for the Silver and Black.