The Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday signed Matt Araiza, the punter the Buffalo Bills drafted and cut after he was associated with a lawsuit alleging rape while in college at San Diego State.
The lawsuit was dropped in December. The alleged victim identified as “Doe” dropped Araiza from the lawsuit filed in August 2022, while Araiza agreed to dismiss a defamation suit against “Doe” filed in July 2023.
“Thankfully, there was extensive evidence that was key to securing Matt’s voluntary dismissal from this lawsuit,” a statement said after the suit was dropped. “Matt was and has always been innocent. The case is over, and Matt has prevailed.”
Araiza was drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft and subsequently cut amid the controversy. The Jets brought him in for a tryout in May but did not sign him.
The punter released a statement.
Statement from @matt_araiza
“I am proud and honored to sign a contract with the @Chiefs
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.
— JL Sports (@JLSports3) February 22, 2024
We are proud to announce that our client @matt_araiza has signed with the @Chiefs . We are grateful to Brett Veach, coach Reid and the @Chiefs organization for giving Matt this opportunity.
Matt has been to hell and back in the last 18 months. He has handled himself with grace
— JL Sports (@JLSports3) February 22, 2024
Current Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend heads into the offseason as an unrestricted free agent.