Former NC State star AJ Cole is now the highest-paid punter in the NFL. Cole, who's entering his seventh season with the Las Vegas Raiders, signed a four-year, 15.8 million dollar contract extension with 11 million according to Fox Sports.
The 29-year-old Cole was entering the final season of his four-year, 12 million dollar contract with Las Vegas in 2021. Thus, he's under contract for the next five seasons. Cole originally signed with the Raiders in 2019 as an undrafted free agent and ultimately won the battle to be Las Vegas' starting punter, beating out 2018 fifth-round draft pick Johnny Townsend for spot
Cole, a three-time Pro Bowler (2021-2023) and two-time first-team All-Pro selection, has been one of the top punters in the NFL throughout his career. He's finished top five in yards per punt the past four seasons, including No. 1 in 2021 when he averaged 50 yards per kick.
Last season, Cole's 50.8 yards per attempt ranked second in the NFL, and he pinned opponents inside their 20-yard line 27 times. Thus far in his professional career, Cole averaged 48.6 yards on 374 career punts, with a 43.9-yard net.
Before the NFL, Cole was a four-year starter at punter for State. During his college career, Cole totaled 9,288 punting yards, which is the third-highest in program history, and averaged 42.2 yards per punt.
He was also a finalist for the Wuerffel Trophy as a junior and semifinalist as a senior. The award is given annually to the college football player "who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.
Prior to playing for the Wolfpack, Cole helped College Park (Ga.) Woodward Academy to a 9-3 record as a senior. During his final season of high school football, Cole connected on 7-of-9 field goals, including a long of 47 yards. He also averaged 40.12 yard per punt with a long of 53. Due to his efforts, Cole was a 3A all-state, all-region and all-area by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
The Raiders are coming off a disappointing 4-13 2024 campaign. However, Las Vegas made a coaching change in the offseason, hiring the legendary Pete Carroll, who previously spent 14 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Las Vegas opens its 2025 season Sept. 7 on the road against the New England Patriots at 1 p.m. EST.
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