Andy Reid, Chiefs Receive Good News Amid NFL Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Apr 20, 2026 12:29 PM ET

Head coach Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs had a season to forget in 2025. They finished the year with a record of 6-11, which was their lowest win total since 2012. Kansas City also finished third in the AFC West, missing the NFL playoffs for the first time in over a decade.

To make matters worse, 6-time Pro Bowl and two-time MVP award-winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee during the Chiefs' Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

This offseason, Reid and the Chiefs looked to rebound and retool their team, as they look to return to Super Bowl-caliber form in 2026.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes before the game against the Detroit Lions.Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

One of the steady pieces in Kansas City's team over the past few years has been the play of its punter, Matt Araiza. Araiza was taken in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. After being released by the Bills, he was signed by the Chiefs in 2024 and has been with them since.

Over the past two seasons, he has been Kansas City's starting punter, totaling 118 punts with an average yardage of 48.2 and his longest being 72 yards.

On Monday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Araiza is resigning with the Chiefs for the 2026 season.

"Punter news: Matt Araiza is signing back to the #Chiefs on a 1-year deal, per Nick and TJ Linta of @jlsports3," Rapoport said.

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
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2026

This is great news for a Chiefs team that is in need of some stability heading into the new year. With the uncertainty of Mahomes' availability, having Araiza back for another year will be a big help in special teams.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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