KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs signed punter Matt Araiza, who was dismissed in December from a lawsuit alleging the rape of a 17-year-old lady in 2021.
“We’re grateful to Brett Veach, coach Reid and the @Chiefs group for giving Matt this chance,” agent Joe Linta wrote on X.
Tommy Townsend, the Chiefs’ punter in every of the previous 4 seasons, is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent subsequent month. Townsend was first-team All-Professional and chosen for the Professional Bowl in 2022.
The lady, recognized within the lawsuit as Jane Doe, dropped Araiza from the lawsuit filed in August 2022, and Araiza agreed to dismiss a defamation go well with in opposition to Doe filed in July 2023.
“I’m proud and honored to signal a contract with the @Chiefs,” Araiza mentioned in a press release launched via his agent. “I’m thrilled to have the ability to proceed my NFL profession. I need to thank my household, who’ve been my rock and my many mates who’ve been unwavering of their help. I’m excited to start the following part of my profession with the Tremendous Bowl Champs!”
Araiza, 23, performed in school at San Diego State. He was drafted by the Buffalo Payments within the sixth spherical of the 2022 NFL draft however has by no means performed in an NFL recreation. The Payments launched Araiza in the summertime of 2022, shortly after he was named within the rape lawsuit.
The San Diego District Legal professional’s workplace introduced in December 2022 that legal expenses wouldn’t be filed within the case.
The New York Jets had introduced Araiza in for a exercise final Could.
