Chiefs sign punter Matt Araiza to one-year deal, per report

TL;DR

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed punter Matt Araiza to a one-year deal after offering him an exclusive rights free agency tender. Financial details of the contract have not been disclosed.

Key points

Kansas City Chiefs sign punter Matt Araiza to a one-year deal
Araiza was offered an exclusive rights free agency tender
Financial details of the contract are not disclosed
Araiza ranked 11th in punts downed inside the 20-yard line in 2025
Only three full-time punters had fewer touchbacks than Araiza

Kansas City ChiefsMatt Araiza

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 15: Matt Araiza #14 of the Kansas City Chiefs punts during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on December 15, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft, the front office is taking care of one of the team’s specialists for at least the coming season. After offering Araiza an exclusive rights free agency (ERFA) tender last month, the Chiefs are signing Araiza to a one-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport of *NFL Network*. The financial details of the contract have not been reported at this time. When a team offers the ERFA tender to a player like Araiza, the player is barred from speaking with any of the other 31 NFL teams. Kansas City took that step as free agency opened up, and has now taken the next one by agreeing to a contract with Araiza and his representation, JL Sports. The deal was likely struck because of Araiza’s performance over two seasons as the team’s full-time punter. During the 2025 season, Araiza totaled the 11th-most punts downed inside the 20-yard line with only three touchbacks; only three full-time punters had fewer punts land in or past the end zone. We will update this article with contract details as they come out.

Q&A

What is the significance of the exclusive rights free agency tender for Matt Araiza?

The exclusive rights free agency tender prevents Matt Araiza from negotiating with other NFL teams, ensuring he remains with the Chiefs for at least another season.

How did Matt Araiza perform during the 2025 NFL season?

In the 2025 season, Matt Araiza ranked 11th in the league for punts downed inside the 20-yard line, with only three touchbacks.

What are the financial details of Matt Araiza's new contract with the Chiefs?

The financial details of Matt Araiza's one-year contract with the Chiefs have not yet been reported.