The Las Vegas Raiders have signed punter AJ Cole to a four-year, $15.8 million contract extension, with $11 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN. The deal makes Cole the highest-paid punter in the NFL.
Cole, 29, was entering the final year of a four-year, $12 million contract signed in 2021. With the extension, he’s now under contract through the next five seasons.
A three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro, Cole has been one of the league’s most consistent performers. He’s ranked in the top five in yards per punt each of the past four seasons, leading the league in 2021 with a 50-yard average. In 2023, he averaged 50.8 yards per attempt — second-best in the NFL — and landed 27 punts inside the 20-yard line.
Cole’s new deal is part of a busy offseason for the Raiders. Defensive end Maxx Crosby signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension earlier this year, briefly becoming the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Quarterback Geno Smith also inked a two-year, $75 million extension after being acquired from Seattle.
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and left tackle Kolton Miller are reportedly in line for new deals, with free agency looming in 2026.
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