Matt Araiza, a former punter for the Buffalo Bills, ended his two-year NFL suspension on Thursday by signing a one-year contract 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 lawsuit was dismissed in December of last year.
In May of 2023, Araiza underwent a workout session with the New York Jets, but the team opted to pursue a different direction. The 23-year-old expressed his sentiments through a statement released by his agency, JL Sports.
“I am pleased and privileged to announce my contract signing with the Chiefs. It’s a thrilling opportunity to continue my NFL journey,” Araiza conveyed. “I extend my gratitude to my unwavering family and countless friends for their steadfast support. I eagerly anticipate embarking on the next chapter of my career with the reigning Super Bowl Champions!”
Back in 2022, Bills general manager Brandon Beane explained that the decision to release Araiza was deemed the best course of action at that time.
While the Chiefs have had Tommy Townsend as their punter, considered by many as one of the NFL’s best since 2020, the 27-year-old is poised to explore free agency next month, potentially exceeding Kansas City’s budget.
Sam Martin, the Bills’ punter, is entering his third season with the team. He joined Buffalo shortly after Araiza’s release in 2022, securing a three-year, $6 million deal last offseason. Although the Bills could consider releasing Martin to upgrade the position, doing so would incur an $800k dead cap hit extending through the next season.
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.
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