Matt Araiza, a former punter for the Buffalo Bills, ended his two-year NFL suspension on Thursday by signing a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Araiza was accused of raping a 17-year-old girl in 2021.
After information regarding the alleged rape involving football players from San Diego State surfaced, the Bills selected Araiza in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and dismissed him four months later. Araiza’s prospects of being selected for another NFL opportunity increased when the case was dismissed in December of last year.
In May 2023, Araiza had an audition with the New York Jets; nevertheless, the organization decided to go a another route. The 23-year-old, via JL Sports, his agency, issued a statement.
“I’m happy and proud to have signed a deal with the Chiefs. Being able to pursue my NFL career is an incredible feeling,” Araiza stated. “I would want to express my gratitude to my family, who have always supported me, and to all of my friends, who have never wavered. I am thrilled to be joining the Super Bowl Champions for the next chapter of my career!
When Araiza was released in 2022, Bills general manager Brandon Beane stated that it was the wisest course of action for everyone involved.
Since 2020, the Chiefs have had Tommy Townsend, who is perhaps the finest punter in the NFL, on their roster. However, next month, the 27-year-old will test free agency, which means he will probably cost the team money.
Punter Sam Martin of the Bills is in his third season with the organization. He joined Buffalo just after Araiza was cut by the team in 2022. Martin last offseason inked a $6 million, three-year contract. The Bills would be saddled with a $800k dead cap charge that would carry over into the next season even if they decided to dismiss Martin and attempt to upgrade at the position.
In 2022, during his brief preseason stay with the Bills, Araiza made waves when he punted for 82 yards against the Indianapolis Colts. Araiza, who was dubbed “The Punt God” while attending San Diego State, provides the Chiefs with a big-legged punter who was selected by the Bills, partly because of his ability to kick in Orchard Park’s harsh weather.