Chiefs P Matt Araiza reveals what he worked on during the offseason to take next step in his development in 2025
The early returns have been positive.
Matt Araiza is entering his second season as the Kansas City Chiefs’ punter, resecuring the job after fending off some competition from undrafted free agent Eddie Czaplicki during training camp.
Araiza’s 2024 season was a bit of a mixed bag, as he finished 10th in the NFL in yards per punt, but ranked 16th in punts downed inside the 20-yard line, and tied for the most touchbacks given up with nine. While speaking to the media on Monday, Araiza revealed what special teams coordinator Dave Toub told him to work on during the offseason.
“He said the two main points were hang time and pooch punts,” Araiza said. “Those were kind of the two areas that I need to improve upon. Both of them were understanding different contact points, trying different things, finding what works, finding what adjustments I can make, kind of tinkering. There’s so many moving parts with punting. You’ll find something one week that works great, and then it kind of goes away. It’s about finding the things that are consistent. I’s definitely on my mind a lot.”
We know that Araiza can bomb a punt with his incredibly strong long when needed. If he can contain that power on short kicks when trying to pin the opposing offense deep in its own territory, Araiza could become one of the best punters in the entire league. It’s important to remember that 2024 was essentially his rookie season, and he is still just 24 years old.
Throughout the Chiefs’ two preseason games, Araiza has averaged 57 yards on eight punts, with a long of 68, and two landing inside the 20-yard line. If he can carry that momentum into the regular season, Kansas City will not only have another weapon to work with, but may have its next cornerstone punter in the years to come.
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