Entering 2025 Training Camp, Raiders.com is previewing every position group and evaluating the players who will make up the 53-man roster. Last but certainly not least, a quick dive into the special teams unit.

Returning players

This will be the third season of the special teams trio of Jacob Bobenmoyer, AJ Cole and Daniel Carlson, and the seventh season of Cole and Carlson as a punter/kicker combo.

A three-time Pro Bowl and two First-Team All-Pro selections, Cole still proved to be one of the best punters in the NFL in his 2024 campaign. His 50.8 yards per punt ranked second in the league and 41.5 percent of his punts landed inside the 20-yard-line. This offseason, he was rewarded with a multi-year contract extension.

"I'm really optimistic about the future of this organization and the leadership that's in place," Cole said this offseason. "And I feel good about the way we're headed, and I didn't want to miss that. I'm excited to be here. I want to be a Raider for life, I've been pretty clear about that the whole time, and so I think both sides kind of wanted that in the negotiation. So, it's good that we got to a great place."

Carlson is hopeful to return back to All-Pro form in 2025. His 85 percentage of field goals made in 2024 was his lowest total since 2019. While Carlson made every field goal last season from 39 yards or less, he went 13-of-19 from 40 yards or more.

Additionally, there was a rule modification made this offseason that will affect Carlson on kickoffs. With the dynamic kickoff that was introduced last season, the ball spot on touchbacks will move from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line for kicks sent into the end zone.

"As far as kickoffs go, obviously we are going to see a lot less touchbacks," Carlson said of the rule change. "We did experiment a lot and last year was a learning period, so I think now it's just continuing that and playing a lot more ball, which is exciting for specials teams guys and exciting for me. I think it's going to be a great play and hopefully we'll see a lot of exciting returns on our side when we do get a chance to return and then a lot of good kicks and coverage on our side as well."

Bobenmoyer will continue handling duties as the team's long snapper. While this will be his third season with the Raiders, this will be his fifth season with special teams coordinator Tom McMahon, who coached Bobenmoyer in his first two seasons with the Denver Broncos.