Former Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza has inked a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, as confirmed by his agency JL Sports on Thursday. The 23-year-old's return to the NFL follows the resolution of a tumultuous period, during which he faced serious allegations related to an alleged gang rape case. Reports reveal that Araiza, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 draft out of San Diego State, was released by the Bills amid accusations of sexual assault involving a minor and two former teammates from San Diego State in 2021.

After being exonerated of any criminal charges and having a civil suit against him dropped in December, Araiza expressed his gratitude to the Chiefs organization for offering him a fresh start. Praising his client's resilience, Araiza's agency stated that he had gone through challenging times but had showed remarkable grace and humility throughout the ordeal. Araiza shared his excitement about this new opportunity, affirming his readiness to commence the next chapter of his NFL career with the reigning Super Bowl champions.

During his time with San Diego State, Araiza garnered attention for his outstanding punting skills, earning the nickname "Punt God" following an NCAA record-breaking senior season. Notably, his impressive performance included an 82-yard punt for the Bills during preseason play. This achievement solidified his place as the team's starting punter prior to his release. The Kansas City Chiefs, with veteran punter Tommy Townsend heading for free agency in the coming months, now welcome Araiza to their roster as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season.