With the cloud of a lawsuit behind him, the Kansas City Chiefs intend to sign former 2022 sixth-round pick Matt Araiza on Thursday, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the team’s first notable move after its victory in Super Bowl LVIII.
Source: #Chiefs are signing free agent punter Matt Araiza.
Araiza, a sixth-round pick in 2022, was out of football last year due to a rape lawsuit, which was dropped in December. pic.twitter.com/DdfrgDq0Ax
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 22, 2024
Araiza put together an illustrious career at San Diego State that captivated audiences around the country, earning him the nickname “Punt God.”
He was an All-American in college and won the Ray Guy Award as the nation’s best collegiate punter in 2021, leading to his selection by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2022 draft.
That summer he was released, however, after being named in a lawsuit alleging the rape of a 17-year-old girl. Araiza was dropped from the lawsuit in December 2023 in exchange for him dropping a defamation lawsuit against her.
All-Pro punter Tommy Townsend isn’t under contract with the Chiefs for the 2024 season, and Araiza’s addition could be an indication that they are moving on.
While it remains to be seen whether Araiza’s golden leg will be as effective as it was in college, his signing on Thursday is a good sign that Kansas City’s coaching staff is comfortable with his ability to at least compete for a starting spot if Townsend re-signs.
