Matt Araiza will remain in place with the Chiefs for 2026. A one-year deal has been worked out between the punter and Kansas City, per his agents (h/t Ian Rapoport of NFL Network).
Araiza was drafted by the Bills in 2022, but allegations of his involvement in a gang rape incident at San Diego State resulted in his Buffalo tenure being short-lived. The former sixth-rounder was the subject of an investigation, and criminal charges were ultimately dropped. Araiza was also eventually dropped from a civil suit on the matter.
Efforts to return to the NFL led to a Chiefs signing in 2024. Araiza handled punting duties that season, serving as Tommy Townsend‘s replacement. He averaged 48.8 gross yards per punt, with a net average of 41.8. Araiza was tendered as an exclusive rights free agent last spring, setting him up to operate as Kansas City’s punter once again.
Following another full campaign in that capacity, Araiza is now in position to spend a third season with the Chiefs. The 25-year-old averaged 47.6 yards per punt in 2025, and he will be counted on to deliver a similar performance moving forward. Araiza earned the league minimum during each of his first Kansas City seasons, and he is in line to do the same for 2026 (with $1.08MM due to be collected).
The Chiefs entered Monday near the bottom of the league in cap space, and signing their incoming draft class will limit their ability to make major offseason moves through the summer. As a low-cost contributor, however, Araiza will provide continuity on special teams without significantly altering Kansas City’s financial outlook.