The NFL's free agency frenzy is in full swing, and the Kansas City Chiefs have officially laid out their plans. Notably absent from their unrestricted free agents list is punter Matt Araiza, a move that comes as no surprise.
The Chiefs have extended an exclusive rights free agency (ERFA) tender to Araiza. For those keeping track, ERFAs are players with expiring contracts and less than three accrued NFL seasons.
If their current team offers them a minimum salary, they can't negotiate with others. For Araiza, this means a $1,075,000 contract for 2026.
Originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round out of San Diego State in 2022, Araiza's NFL journey hit a snag due to legal issues, leading to his release before his rookie season. He found his way to the Chiefs in 2024.
His first season in Kansas City had its ups and downs, but he managed to fend off competition from undrafted rookie Eddie Czaplicki last offseason. Araiza's performance improved significantly, with his touchback percentage dropping from 14.5% in 2024 to just 5.4% in 2025.
Whether this progress secures his spot without further competition remains to be seen.
Wide receiver Nikko Remigio also received an ERFA tender, following a congratulatory social media post from his agent about his "extension" with the Chiefs. Like Araiza, Remigio's one-year tender is set at $1,075,000.
On the flip side, the Chiefs opted not to offer a restricted free agency tender to guard Mike Caliendo, allowing him to explore opportunities with other teams. Similarly, running back Keontay Ingram and cornerback Eric Scott, both of whom spent 2025 on the Reserve/Injured list due to offseason injuries, were not tendered, opening the door for their free agency.
As the Chiefs navigate their roster decisions, these moves highlight the balancing act of maintaining talent while preparing for the challenges of the upcoming season.