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Raiders Hand Historic Multi-Year Contract Extension to All-Pro Player

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Austin C. Boyd | Last updated May 26, 2025 5:03 PM ET

New Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek has been apprehensive to give returning players contract extensions outside of star defensive end Maxx Crosby. However, that may be about to change now that he's getting more familiar with the roster.

One of the first big post-draft moves Spytek has made is paying punter A.J. Cole. According to Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, the Raiders have given Cole a four-year contract extension worth $15.8 million. $11 million of that is guaranteed, which is the most guaranteed money a punter has ever received in the NFL.

He will now be tied to the Raiders for the next five seasons.

Some of the best punters in NFL history have played for the Raiders, and they've always taken care of them. Cole has cemented himself as an elite punter and has been named First-Team All-Pro twice in 2021 and 2023.

He had another strong season in 2024, having been second in the NFL with 50.8 yards a punt. Cole is mostly known for his strong leg, but he can also be accurate, as he had 27 punts land inside the 20-yard line last season.

What will now be something to watch is what the Raiders do with kicker Daniel Carlson. He's formed an elite duo with Cole for the last several seasons, but he's also on an expiring deal. He's coming off a down year where he missed six field goals, but he's been very dependable for Las Vegas. The new regime might want to see how he does this year before giving him a new contract.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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