Johnny Hekker (Getty Images)The Rams have set the new standard for punter contracts in the NFL, inking Pro Bowler Johnny Hekker to a six-year, $18 million extension.
Hekker's new deal includes a $9 million guarantee, the most ever for a punter or kicker, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
In his third season with the Rams, Hekker is sixth in the NFL with a 42.1 net punt average. His 44.2 net led the league last year, when he was named to his first Pro Bowl. He has a 45.9 yards per kick average in 219 career punts.
Hekker's contract, worth $3 million annually, is good for fourth among punters in average base salary. But no punter has been guaranteed more than $7.9 million, according to spotrac.com. Bears kicker Robbie Gould's $8.8 million guarantee was the previous high.