Free agent punter Matt Araiza has signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, agent Joe Linta announced on X.
“We are grateful to Brett Veach, coach Reid and the @Chiefs organization for giving Matt this opportunity,” Linta wrote.
In December, Araiza was dismissed from a lawsuit that alleged a 17-year-old girl was raped at an off-campus party while Araiza was at San Diego State in October 2021 after an agreement was reached with the girl, identified as Jane Doe.
Doe dropped Araiza from the lawsuit filed in August 2022, while Araiza agreed to dismiss a defamation suit against Doe filed in July 2023.
The Buffalo Bills released Araiza, who the team selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft, on Aug. 27 that year, two days after the lawsuit was filed. The New York Jets brought him in for a workout in May.
“I am proud and honored to sign a contract with the @Chiefs,” Araiza said in a statement. “I am thrilled to be able to continue my NFL career. I want to thank my family, who have been my rock and my many friends who have been unwavering in their support. I am excited to begin the next phase of my career with the Super Bowl Champs!”
Araiza gives the Chiefs insurance with incumbent punter Tommy Townsend set to be a free agent next month.
