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Kansas City Chiefs' latest contract news sets the floor for two important special teams roles during the 2026 NFL season
TL;DR
Matt Araiza and Nikko Remigio signed their Exclusive Rights Free Agent contracts with the Kansas City Chiefs, establishing the baseline for the punter and return specialist roles for the 2026 NFL season. Both players received a non-guaranteed one-year deal worth $1.075 million.
Key points
- Matt Araiza signed an Exclusive Rights Free Agent contract
- Nikko Remigio signed his contract with the Chiefs
- Both contracts are worth $1.075 million for one year
- Contracts set the floor for punter and return specialist positions
- Chiefs may still seek improvements in these roles
Kansas City ChiefsMatt AraizaNikko Remigio
Nov 23, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Nikko Remigio (81) runs against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Matt Araiza and Nikko Remigio signed their Exclusive Rights Free Agent contract tenders, setting the floor for the punter and return specialist positions in 2026.
The Kansas City Chiefs saw two players officially sign contracts at the onset of the offseason workout program.
Chiefs punter Matt Araiza and return specialist Nikko Remigio each signed their Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA) tenders on Monday. They each received a non-guaranteed $1.075M one-year deal based on their accrued service time. This very much sets the floor for Kansas City at the punter and the return specialist position. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean the Chiefs won’t seek to improve those spots.
The Chiefs could bring in more competition at punter and return specialist
While neither Matt Araiza nor Nikko Remigio is at immediate risk of losing their jobs, the non-guaranteed nature of their salaries leaves the possibility open. The Chiefs won’t have to burn any salary cap space if they decide to move on from either player. At the same time, neither player will be a huge cost to the team if they stick.
Q&A
What contracts did Matt Araiza and Nikko Remigio sign with the Chiefs?
Matt Araiza and Nikko Remigio signed Exclusive Rights Free Agent contracts worth $1.075 million for one year.
How do Araiza and Remigio's contracts impact the Chiefs' special teams for 2026?
Their contracts set the floor for the punter and return specialist positions, though the Chiefs may still look to improve these roles.
What is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent contract in the NFL?
An Exclusive Rights Free Agent contract allows teams to retain players with limited service time, typically offering a one-year deal at a set salary.
