Why Did the Chiefs Sign Matt Araiza? Uncovering How the Bills’ Outcast Transformed His Bleak NFL Career

As the offseason wears on, the Chiefs are making big moves. They had made no key changes to their team so far, but it changed today. They’re planning to bring in Matt Araiza, who has never played a regular NFL game before to their roster. Who will he possibly be replacing? Punter Tommy Townsend who’s been with the team since 2020.

Why are the Chiefs taking this big risk? The squad already has a strong offense. And as the 2023 season proved, a strong defense as well. So could they be now looking to fortify their Special Teams?

Chiefs add Matt Araiza to their roster

After being embroiled in a legal battle, punter Matt Araiza has officially returned to the NFL scene. The 23-year-old signed with the Chiefs, marking his comeback to the league after a tumultuous period. Araiza’s NFL journey hit a roadblock in 2022 when he faced allegations of sexual assault stemming from an incident at a Halloween party during his time as a student at San Diego State University. As a result, the Buffalo Bills swiftly dropped him from their roster before he could even step onto the field for a regular-season game.

Now, it appears that the Chiefs are offering Araiza a fresh start and a second chance to pursue his NFL dreams. In a statement expressing his gratitude, Araiza said, “I am proud and honored to sign a contract with the Chiefs. I am thrilled to be able to continue my NFL career. I am excited to begin the next phase of my career with the Super Bowl Champs!”

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This move by the Chiefs is bound to pay off in the next season.

“The Punt God” comes to KC

Matt Araiza’s prowess as a punter earned him widespread acclaim during his college days. In football circles, he was known as “The Punt God.” Selected by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft, Araiza entered the professional arena with high expectations. His remarkable abilities were on full display during one preseason game that he played for the Bills. He astounded spectators by punting the ball a staggering 82 yards.

During his junior season at SDSU, he achieved the status of a unanimous “All-American” and clinched the prestigious Ray Guy Award, an honor bestowed upon the nation’s top collegiate punter. As Araiza embarks on his journey in KC, he is poised to take over from Tommy Townsend. Townsend is expected to hit free agency this March. While Townsend boasts an average punt distance of 47 yards, Araiza has a remarkable average of 51.1 yards.

The Jets had previously hosted him for a workout in May 2023. However, they opted to sign veteran punter Thomas Morstead instead. Will Araiza make them regret their decision in the 2024 season?