ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Rams signed punter John Hekker to a six-year contract extension Friday, keeping him with the team through the 2020 season.

The 24-year-old Hekker was scheduled to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. Terms were not disclosed.

Signed by the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2012, Hekker is sixth in the league this season with a net average of 41.4 yards per punt.

In his 2013 Pro Bowl season, Hekker had a net average of 44.2 yards — the highest single-season net average in NFL history. He had just four touchbacks in 78 punts and placed 19 inside the opponents' 20-yard line.

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