Why extending punter AJ Cole makes sense for the Raiders

Cole, 29, entered the NFL in 2019 as an undrafted free agent when he beat out Johnny Townsend. He was a first-team All-Pro punter in 2021 and 2023 and appeared in the Pro Bowl from 2021-23.

Cole becomes the third Raider to receive a contract extension this offseason. Star pass rusher Maxx Crosby inked a three-year deal worth $106.5M with $91.5M guaranteed and quarterback Geno Smith signed a two-year, $75M extension after he was acquired in a trade from the Seattle Seahawks.

It is a rewarding deal for Cole when all he does is give the special teams an advantage when he trots out on the field and pins teams inside the 20-yard line. Just like last season, when he punted 65 times, with 27 of those ending up inside the 20.

The Raiders haven't missed a step in having punters that are successful like Cole. He succeeded Marquette King, who is fourth in punting yards for the team. Before King it was Shane Lechler, who was a six-time first-team All-Pro and tops among Raiders punters in yards (48,215). Then there is Hall of Famer Ray Guy, who is a six-time first-team All-Pro and appeared in the Pro Bowl seven times.

Cole, who could be on his way to having a Hall of Fame career, told Schultz he wants to play until he is 40. He also said "I love the organization, I love the fans and I love Las Vegas." 

There is no denying Cole became an instant hit for the Raiders when he walked into the former team headquarters in Alameda, California, and has since become a dependable punter for the organization. Cole getting an extension is a good sign that he is staying with the franchise until the end of his career.