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.

Punter news: Matt Araiza is signing back to the #Chiefs on a 1-year deal, per Nick and TJ Linta of @jlsports3. pic.twitter.com/84mgi0ZDoh

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.