Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole is the fifth highest-paid punter in the National Football League, and he continues to prove year after year why.
He and Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson were each dealt four-year extensions before the end of the 2021 season. They would each finish with career campaigns.
Cole's deal was worth $12-million. His average annual salary of $3 million, at the time, made him the league's third highest-paid punter.
Cole went on to be named to his first of three consecutive Pro Bowls, and was honored with his first-ever AP All-Pro First Team selection. He led the NFL with 50.0 yards per punt that season.
On Friday, Cole was named to his second-career AP All-Pro First Team after having what was arguably his best season yet. The fifth-year Raider posted career-highs in yards punted (3,783) and yards per punt (50.4). Cole also had a career-high 34 punts downed within the opponent 20-yard line and had the NFL's longest punt of the season of 84 yards.
He is the only current Raider who has been named to two AP All-Pro First Teams while with the Silver and Black.
Cole is one of the most valuable players on the Raiders' roster and helped put the team in numerous positions to win this season. Despite being top-five at his position in annual salary, frankly, Cole still deserves more.
If the Raiders know what they have with Cole, they should extend the punter by the time his contract comes to an end in 2026.
Cole was signed by the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He was among a rookie class that included fellow Raiders stars Josh Jacobs and Maxx Crosby.
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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