Should Steelers sign Matt Araiza after latest release?

By Aaron Becker | Last updated Feb 14, 2024 11:43 AM ET

The Steelers made a few cuts on Monday, one of which included punter Pressley Harvin III. That's why former All-Pro punter Pat McAfee believes Pittsburgh should consider signing Matt Araiza this offseason.

"Matt Araiza is a guy that would be able to potentially handle the AFC North stadiums. You have to have a very strong leg," McAfee said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "The 'Punt God' has obviously been through a lot. He's been cleared of charges, and he has not been back in the NFL. Maybe the Pittsburgh Steelers are the place to pick him up."

Araiza was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. But a few months after the draft, he was accused of raping a then-17-year-old girl at an off-campus party in 2021 and was released from the team shortly after.

The 23-year-old denied the allegations and the charges were dropped by the woman in December 2023 with Araiza also dismissing his defamation countersuit against her. However, he has yet to garner any interest from NFL teams.

That could change and the Steelers can be the team to do so.

Araiza was an intriguing prospect after setting NCAA records in punt average (51.19), 60-yard punts (18) and 50-yard punts (39) in a season and 70-yard punts (six). He also had an 82-yard punt for the Bills during the 2022 preseason.

Araiza would be an upgrade for Pittsburgh if he were able to pick up right where he left off. The Steelers have watched Harvin III average just 43.7 yards per punt over the past three years and they finally decided they've had enough following the 2023 season.

Pittsburgh may still be criticized if it gives Araiza his second chance in the league, but they could certainly help each other in 2024 and beyond.

Of course, if anything else were to come to light regarding Araiza, the Steelers could cut ties with him. That's why a cheap, one-year deal to start makes sense for both sides.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this article, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

If you are in the United States and you or a loved one have contemplated suicide, call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to connect with a trained counselor.

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