The Las Vegas Raiders’ general manager John Spytek has taken a measured approach to contract extensions since taking over, with defensive end Maxx Crosby being his only major commitment until recently.
As Spytek becomes more familiar with his roster, he’s beginning to make decisive moves that signal his priorities. His latest decision involves rewarding one of the team’s most consistent performers.
According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the Raiders have locked up punter A.J. Cole with a significant extension.
“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,” Schultz shared.
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
The deal keeps Cole under contract through the 2029 season and represents his second extension with the franchise.
He originally signed a four-year, $12 million contract during the 2021 season.
The new agreement provides a modest increase in average annual value, pushing him past Seattle Seahawks punter Michael Dickson, who earns $3.67 million annually.
Cole has been with the Raiders since their Oakland days in 2019 and has established himself as part of franchise history.
The organization has maintained a tradition of elite punters, and Cole has upheld that standard throughout his tenure.
He earned First-Team All-Pro honors in both 2021 and 2023, while averaging 50.8 yards per punt last season. The performance marked his third season averaging over 50 yards.
While Cole didn’t receive a Pro Bowl selection in 2024, he had previously made three consecutive appearances. The extension reflects the Raiders’ commitment to maintaining their special teams strength under the new regime.
Attention now turns to kicker Daniel Carlson, who has formed an effective specialist duo with Cole in recent years.
Carlson enters the final year of his contract after missing six field goals last season.
