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Chiefs Bring Back Punter Matt Araiza on One-Year Deal for 2026

The low-cost move preserves special-teams continuity for a cap‑strapped roster.

Overview

  • Araiza, whose agents disclosed the agreement Monday via Ian Rapoport, is re-signing with the Chiefs on a one-year deal expected at about $1.08 million.
  • He averaged 48.8 yards gross and 41.8 yards net per punt in 2024, then posted 47.6 yards per punt in 2025.
  • The Chiefs gain stability at punter at the league minimum, a choice that helps conserve limited salary cap space ahead of the draft.
  • An exclusive rights free agent tender last spring kept his rights with Kansas City, a rule that binds players with fewer than three accrued seasons to their team.
  • Drafted by the Bills in 2022, he departed after San Diego State allegations, later had criminal charges dropped and was removed from a civil suit, then returned in 2024 with Kansas City as Tommy Townsend’s replacement.