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Matt Araiza’s Contract Revealed: Career Earnings, Salary, NFL Journey and More

Matthew Araiza’s journey to the NFL has been anything but conventional. From his standout high school career to his dominance at San Diego State, Araiza has always been a player who excels under pressure

Although his path to the NFL was interrupted by controversy and setbacks, his resilience and determination have propelled him to new heights in his professional career.

Now with the Kansas City Chiefs, Araiza is showing why he was considered one of the best punters in college football.

His ability to deliver when called upon, combined with his strong leg and precision, has made him a valuable asset to the Chiefs.

As the 2024 NFL season progresses, Araiza’s continued success will undoubtedly further solidify his place in the league and in the hearts of fans who appreciate the importance of special teams.

His journey proves that with talent, perseverance, and a relentless drive to succeed, any setback can be overcome, and a bright future can be achieved.

Matthew Araiza
Matthew Araiza (Image: Source)

Also Read: Mattias Ekholm (NFL): Contract Breakdown, Career Earnings, Legacy and Promotion

Matthew Araiza’s Football Journey

Matthew Ryan Araiza, an American football punter currently playing for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 NFL season, has had an eventful career.1

Known for his booming leg and incredible punt distances, Araiza’s journey to the NFL is one filled with highs and lows. He initially made his mark in college football before entering the NFL in 2022.

Though his professional career has faced a few setbacks, Araiza has shown his resilience and talent, cementing his place in the NFL with the Chiefs. In this piece, we will explore his journey from high school to college and finally his rise to the NFL.

High School Football: Laying the Foundation

Araiza’s football journey began at Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, California. It was here that his remarkable leg strength and kicking ability first began to attract attention.

At Rancho Bernardo, Araiza developed his punting skills, earning accolades for his strong performances on the field.

His ability to pin teams deep in their own territory made him a standout in high school, and scouts soon started to take notice.

Araiza’s strong leg and knack for controlling field position were evident early on, setting the stage for a successful college and, later, professional career.

College Football at San Diego State University

  • After high school, Araiza made the decision to attend San Diego State University (SDSU), where he would play for the Aztecs.
  • His college career began in 2018, but it wasn’t until 2020 and 2021 that Araiza truly began to shine.
  • Throughout his years at SDSU, Araiza’s punting ability grew by leaps and bounds.
  • In 2021, Araiza became a household name in the college football world after winning the prestigious Ray Guy Award, given annually to the best punter in college football.
  • This honor was a testament to his consistency and dominance at the position.
  • In addition to the Ray Guy Award, Araiza earned numerous other accolades in 2021. He was named a Unanimous All-American, a rare distinction in college football, which speaks to the level of his performance.
  • His role as a leader on special teams was further recognized when he was named the Mountain West Conference (MWC) Special Teams Player of the Year.
  • His remarkable performance that season also earned him First-Team All-MWC honors.
  • During his time at SDSU, Araiza averaged over 50 yards per punt, consistently showcasing his ability to flip field position for his team.
  • His 2021 season was the peak of his college career, but it was built on years of consistent development and hard work.
Matthew Araiza
Matthew Araiza (Image: Source)

Matthew Araiza: Entering the NFL

A Rocky Start with the Buffalo Bills

In 2022, Araiza declared for the NFL Draft. His remarkable collegiate career and reputation as one of the best punters in college football led to his selection in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills, with the 180th overall pick.2

However, Araiza’s time with the Bills was short-lived. While his punting ability was unquestionable, his tenure with the team was overshadowed by off-field controversies that led to his release before the 2022 season officially began.

Despite this setback, Araiza’s punting skills did not go unnoticed, and it was clear that his professional career was far from over.

While the Bills released him, Araiza found an opportunity to prove himself once again. His release was a tough blow, but he never lost sight of his goal to make it to the NFL and continue his career.

A New Beginning: Joining the Kansas City Chiefs

After being released by the Buffalo Bills in 2022, Araiza worked tirelessly to maintain his skills, knowing that he would likely get another shot.

That opportunity came in 2024 when the Kansas City Chiefs signed Araiza. The Chiefs, known for their high-powered offense and talented roster, needed a punter who could flip field position when needed, and Araiza fit the bill perfectly.

In his first season with the Chiefs, Araiza quickly became a key member of their special teams unit. By the end of the 2024 regular season, Araiza had punted 62 times for 3,027 yards, averaging 48.8 yards per punt.

These impressive statistics showcased Araiza’s ability to deliver for the Chiefs, and his inclusion in the team demonstrated the trust the franchise had in his abilities.

While punting may not always be in the spotlight, Araiza’s consistency and leg strength have become an invaluable asset to the Chiefs’ success.

Matthew Araiza
Matthew Araiza (Image: Source)

Matthew Araiza’s Impact on Special Teams

In football, the role of the punter is often undervalued, but a strong punter can have a significant impact on the outcome of games.3

Araiza’s ability to pin opponents deep in their own territory and consistently generate long punts has played a critical role in the Chiefs’ special teams strategy.

By consistently putting opposing teams in tough positions, Araiza allows the Chiefs’ defense to play with more confidence, knowing that their opponent is starting their drives deep in their own half.

Araiza’s impressive average of 48.8 yards per punt places him among the best punters in the league, and his ability to perform under pressure has proven valuable in close games.

The Chiefs, who have a well-rounded roster, rely on strong special teams play to complement their offense and defense, and Araiza has been a key part of that equation.

What’s Next for Matthew Araiza?

As Araiza enters his first full season with the Kansas City Chiefs, the future looks bright for the young punter.

Having overcome adversity in his early professional career, Araiza is now poised to establish himself as one of the NFL’s premier punters.

His experience at SDSU, coupled with his growth and development in the league, gives him a solid foundation for continued success.

Araiza’s impressive rookie year with the Chiefs in 2024 is just the beginning. If he continues to perform at a high level, there’s no reason to believe he won’t be a mainstay in the NFL for years to come.

As the NFL evolves and special teams become more important than ever, Araiza’s skills will only grow in value.

Matthew Araiza
Matthew Araiza

Also Read: Kyle Williams’ Unexpected Tie to Andy Reid Could Shape His 2025 NFL Draft Journey

Matt Araiza’s Contract Breakdown

A Look at the 2024 Reserve/Future Contract

Matt Araiza, also known as the “Punt God,” has made his return to the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs.

According to Spotrac, Araiza signed a one-year reserve/future contract worth $795,000 for the 2024 season. The contract is straightforward, carrying no signing bonus, guaranteed money, or additional incentives.

Here’s a summary of the contract details:

  • Contract Terms: 1 year, $795,000
  • Average Annual Salary: $795,000
  • Signing Bonus: None
  • Guaranteed at Signing: None
  • Total Guaranteed: None
  • Free Agent Status: Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA) in 2025

The contract reflects a low-risk commitment by the Chiefs, giving Araiza an opportunity to re-establish himself in the league without significant financial implications for the team.

Contract Cap Implications for 2024

In terms of the Chiefs’ salary cap, Araiza’s contract represents a modest financial hit. His base salary of $795,000 also serves as the total cap hit for the team in 2024.

Since there are no signing bonuses or guaranteed money involved, there is no dead cap associated with this contract. Should the Chiefs release Araiza during the season, the team would not incur any financial penalties.

Breakdown by Year:

  • 2024: Base Salary – $795,000, Cap Hit – $795,000, Dead Cap – $0
  • 2025: Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA)

What Does an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA) Status Mean?

After the 2024 season, Araiza will be classified as an ERFA.

This designation applies to players with fewer than three accrued seasons in the NFL and means that the Chiefs hold the exclusive right to retain him by offering a one-year contract at the league minimum.

This status gives the team significant leverage to keep Araiza at a low cost, assuming he performs well during the 2024 season.

Matt Araiza’s Salary: How Does It Compare?

Araiza’s $795,000 base salary places him at the league minimum for players with his tenure in the NFL. While this amount might seem modest compared to star players, it aligns with his current status as a specialist returning to the league after a hiatus.

For context, the average salary for NFL punters is approximately $1.5 million per year. Araiza’s salary is therefore below the positional average, but this contract serves as a prove-it deal to showcase his abilities.

Breaking Down Araiza’s Earnings by Minute

If we calculate Araiza’s earnings based on his annual salary of $795,000, he makes approximately:

  • Per Day: $2,178 (assuming 365 days in a year)
  • Per Hour: $90.75
  • Per Minute: $1.51

This calculation highlights the impressive earning potential of even league-minimum NFL contracts.

Matthew Araiza
Matthew Araiza

Matt Araiza’s Career Earnings

As of February 2025, Araiza’s total career earnings stand at approximately $1,011,148, according to Spotrac.

This figure includes:

  • $216,148 from his rookie contract signing bonus with the Buffalo Bills in 2022
  • His prorated salary from the Bills in 2022 before being waived
  • His current one-year deal with the Chiefs

Despite a turbulent start to his NFL career, Araiza has crossed the $1 million milestone in career earnings, a notable achievement for a punter in the league.

The Buffalo Bills Contract: A Flashback

In 2022, Araiza entered the NFL with significant fanfare after being drafted in the sixth round by the Buffalo Bills.

His four-year rookie contract was valued at $3.87 million, with an average annual salary of $969,037. The deal included a $216,148 signing bonus, which was the only amount guaranteed at signing.

However, his time with the Bills was cut short after off-field allegations surfaced, leading to his release before the season started.

The key terms of the Buffalo Bills contract were as follows:

  • Contract Duration: 4 years, $3.87 million
  • Average Annual Salary: $969,037
  • Signing Bonus: $216,148
  • Guaranteed at Signing: $216,148
  • Total Guaranteed: $216,148
  • Free Agent Status: Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) in 2026

While the contract held significant potential for Araiza, his release cleared $705,000 of cap space for the Bills, leaving only the signing bonus as dead money.

A Second Chance with the Kansas City Chiefs

Araiza’s reserve/future contract with the Chiefs represents a pivotal moment in his career. The deal provides him with an opportunity to prove his worth on a championship-caliber team.

Known for his exceptional leg strength and ability to flip field position, Araiza’s skills could be a valuable asset for Kansas City’s special teams unit.

 

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Low-Risk, High-Reward for the Chiefs

From the Chiefs’ perspective, Araiza’s contract is a low-risk, high-reward proposition. The team gains a talented specialist at the league minimum salary, with no long-term financial commitments.

If Araiza performs well, the Chiefs can retain him as an ERFA in 2025 at minimal cost. Conversely, if he doesn’t meet expectations, the team can move on without financial repercussions.

To better understand Araiza’s contract, it’s useful to examine the broader market for punters in the NFL. According to Spotrac, the highest-paid punters in the league earn between $3 million and $5 million annually, with multi-year contracts and significant guarantees.

What’s Next for Matt Araiza?

  • As Araiza prepares for the 2024 season, the focus will be on his performance both on and off the field.
  • A strong showing during training camp and preseason could solidify his position as the Chiefs’ starting punter.
  • Additionally, Araiza’s ability to contribute to field position battles could make him a valuable asset in high-stakes games.
  • Off the field, Araiza will need to maintain a clean record and demonstrate that he has moved past the allegations that disrupted his rookie season.
  • Matt Araiza’s journey in the NFL has been anything but conventional. From the highs of being labeled the “Punt God” to the lows of being waived amid controversy, Araiza now has a fresh start with the Kansas City Chiefs.
  • His one-year, $795,000 contract is an opportunity to prove that he belongs in the league and can contribute at a high level.
  • For the Chiefs, the deal is a low-cost gamble with the potential for significant upside. Should Araiza meet expectations, he could become a long-term fixture in Kansas City’s special teams unit.
  • For Araiza, this contract is more than just a financial agreement—it’s a chance to rewrite his NFL story.

Also Read: Trent McDuffie: Cornerback’s Journey to the NFL, Contract Breakdown and Paid Partnership

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  2. timesofindia.indiatimes
  3. profootballnetwork
Kankana Biswas
Kankana Biswas

I'm a strategic journalism graduate with expertise on socio-political issues, business, and finance. I'm a self-made entrepreneur, and have contributed to various news/media outlets since 2015. I also received degree of journalism from the Delhi College of Arts and Commerce.

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