The Kansas City Chiefs re-signed Matt Araiza, who was once known as "the punt god" during his college career.
The Kansas City Chiefs have resigned punter Matt Araiza to a one-year deal, according to a report from Adam La Rose of ProFootballRumors.com that also referenced information from Ian Rapaport of NFL Network
Araiza was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills back in 2022, but allegations of his involvement in a gang rape incident when he played at San Diego State helped make his Buffalo days short-lived. The sixth-round pick was the subject of an investigation, but charges were eventually dropped, and a civil suit against Araiza was dropped as well.
He had to sit out an extensive stretch after that, but the Chiefs took a chance on him in 2024. Araiza handled the punting duties for Kansas City as he served as a replacement for Tommy Townsend, and his gross yards average per punt was 48.8 to go with a net average of 41.8. He was tendered as an exclusive rights free agent last spring, and he served once again as the Chiefs punter.
Araiza’s numbers last year included an average of 47.6 yards per punt, and the Chiefs will want a similar performance this season as they try and clean up the bad penalties that hindered their special teams in 2025. The punter will now earn the league minimum of $1.08 million, according to La Rose.
The move is significant because of the Chiefs' salary cap situation, so locking up a reliable performer like Araiza represents a win for Kansas City. He’ll provide continuity going forward in an offseason in which the Chiefs are making all kinds of major changes.
Araiza was once known as “the punt god” back in college, as he became famous for his booming, field-flipping punts during his days with the Aztecs. He seems to have adopted well to life as an NFL punter, however, which involves ball placement, hang time and not outkicking his coverage.
One area where the Chiefs will be looking for special teams help is on the return teams, where Kansas City also struggled compared to what they’ve done previously. The Chief were counting on running back Brashard Smith to provide some explosive playmaking, but Smith broke his finger in training camp, so those plans were scrapped.
Instead the Chiefs had to go with ordinary returners who didn’t add much, so there’s yardage to be had if Smith can get back on track as a returner or Kansas City can find a playmaker to step in on special teams.