The deal was reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, via Nick Linta of JL Sports. Araiza set a Super Bowl record in 2025 where he had six punts for an average of 51.8 yards. No one has done it better. Unfortunately, he was used that much because the Chiefs were blown out during that game.

During his college days, Araiza was known as “Punt God.” He exceeded 70 or 80 yards constantly at San Diego State University. Araiza was drafted by the Buffalo Bills, but never got to debut since he got sued by an incident in his college days.

The Chiefs have plenty of more priorities, but special teams are important

The special teams can be overlooked at times. Teams have come to realize that bad or good special teams can make or break a season. For instance, the difference between Rams and Seahawks last season, was that the Rams didn’t have good special teams, while the Seahawks came to live thanks to special teams’ plays.

Hence, the Chiefs are not willing to risk having bad special teams. They know that winning comes in all three phases of the game. Hence, coach Andy Reid made sure the team brought back one of the best punters in the NFL.

The Chiefs special teams ranking in 2025

Last season the Chiefs ranked in the middle of the league, 15th to be precise, in punt average yards. Araiza averaged 47.6 yards per punt. However, his talent is quite known. Punters can be drafted easily, but the Chiefs would rather have him back, since they’ve seen his upside.

The San Diego State star went to great lengths to try and clean his name. And now, new evidence revealed that he allegedly even wasn’t at the place where the events took place, meaning he won’t be criminally prosecuted.

So, with his reputation still on the line, the Punt God— as he was called during his days in college— is now looking to get another chance of making an NFL roster, sharing a statement to thank the prosecutors for his exoneration.

Matt Araiza Releases Statement After Exoneration

(Transcript via Matt Araiza)

“I am aware that the facts of this case have been made public. I am deeply gratified for the thorough work of the DA’s office in San Diego and for all the witnesses that were willing to come forward and tell the truth. I am thankful that the facts of this case as provided by the witnesses will prove that what I have been saying from the beginning is, in fact, the truth.

I can only hope that now people will assess me on the facts and not what was falsely claimed in both the civil suit and in the press.

I am beyond thankful for the unwavering support of both my family and friends. They have been a rock in what has been a very dark eight months for me. However, now that the truth is out, I am amazed by the thousands of emails and tweets supporting me. It has truly been a blessing to know so many people have now judged me by the facts.”

So, technically, the ‘Punt God’ is now a free agent and eligible to sign with any NFL team of his choosing. Now, whether he’ll get another shot in the league or not remains to be seen, but technically, there’s no reason not to sign him.

Now, the guy who was once all over the web for his ability to punt the football 80 yards downfield is stealing the headlines for all the wrong reasons. He’s facing accusations of gang-raping a then-17-year-old alongside two San Diego State University teammatesat an off-campus party.

Technically, the NFL doesn’t have the power to punish him, as the incident happened before he entered the league; thus he didn’t need to abide by their conduct policy. But will the Bills just ignore the situation, or will they cut ties with him right away?

NFL News: Buffalo Bills Could Cut Matt Araiza In The Wake Of Accusations

(via Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk)

“The Personal Conduct Policy does not encompass alleged misconduct occurring before a player is drafted. At most, the incident would be used against him for enhanced or expired discipline, if he violates the policy once he’s in the NFL.

That doesn’t stop the Bill (sic)from cutting him, if they choose to do it. Although Araiza and/or the NFL Player Association could make a stink about a decision to dump Araiza for reasons that would obviously be unrelated to skill, the Bills ultimately can do whatever they want to do — and they may decide that it’s better to find another punter.”

The league and the Bills were reportedly made aware of the accusations before the news broke. Now, it seems like it’ll all be up to the front office, but keeping him on the active roster before the investigation concludessure doesn’t look good.