Raiders Shock NFL by Making AJ Cole Highest-Paid Punter—What This Record Deal Means for the Future

In the heart of the desert, a new chapter has been inked for the Las Vegas Raiders — and it stars none other than AJ Cole, who just snagged a four-year contract extension that vaults him into the NFL’s punting elite, pocketing a cool $15.8 million with $11 million guaranteed. It’s not just about the cash, though; this deal cements Cole’s place atop the punter pay scale, a testament to his relentless precision and booming leg that has rattled stadiums and shattered records alike. Over six seasons, he’s delivered punts averaging nearly 49 yards, including a jaw-dropping 83-yarder in 2023, and even set an NFL single-game record with 63.6 yards per punt against the New York Giants — feats that resonate deeply with Raiders lore, harkening back to legends like Ray Guy and Shane Lechler. At just 29, Cole’s journey from undrafted NC State hopeful to a three-time Pro Bowler and twice first-team All-Pro is nothing short of remarkable — a narrative of grit, skill, and unyielding determination. For those intrigued by the latest in NFL contract news and Cole’s storied rise, this is a story worth diving into.LEARN MORE.

AdvertisementAdvertisementCole, 29, has been named to three Pro Bowls and has twice earned first-team All-Pro honors. He signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent out of NC State, where he averaged 42.2 yards per punt for the Wolfpack.

Cole, 29, has been named to three Pro Bowls and has twice earned first-team All-Pro honors. He signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent out of NC State, where he averaged 42.2 yards per punt for the Wolfpack.

The average annual value of .95 million and total value of .8 million ranks Cole at No. 1 among punter salaries. The previous top earner was Michael Dickson of the Seattle Seahawks, who has an average annual salary of .7 million from the four-year, .7 million extension he signed in 2021.

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