Bills Central

Bills Ex Matt Araiza: No Mexico Signing, Punter Hopes for 'NFL Opportunity'

Galgos de Tijuana, a football team in Mexico, had announced on Thursday that former Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza had signed with them. But now, Araiza's agent is saying that wasn't the case.

Zach Dimmitt

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After it was previously announced by the Mexican-based team itself, former Buffalo Bills punter Matt Araiza has not signed with Galgos de Tijuana in Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional, per his agent Joe Linta. ESPN's Adam Schefter was first to report on Monday.

Araiza, a sixth-round pick in 2022, was cut by the Bills on Aug. 27 after a civil lawsuit alleged he and two other gang raped a minor while at San Diego State University. However, prosecutors "declined" to pursue criminal charges against him.

The whole incident is a strange one, since the Galgos announced via Twitter on Thursday that Araiza had "arrived" to Tijuana for the 2023 season, posting an official welcome picture that included the Bills logo.

It's unclear as of now why his deal with the Galgos suddenly fell through, especially considering that Tijuana, which borders California and is only about a 30-minute drive south of San Diego State, would've placed Araiza right next to where he played collegiality for three seasons. A Mexican team in need of some NFL-level talent would seemingly gladly welcome a punter of Araiza's caliber, but maybe the allegations steered them away. However, this has not been confirmed by any reports as of now.

Said Linta of his client: He "never signed with the (Mexican) team and remains a free agent, hoping for an opportunity in the NFL.''

Despite gaining fame for a booming leg that earned him the title of "Punt God," Araiza's playing career with the Bills was over before it began after the disturbing details of the rape allegations emerged. Buffalo released him just two days after the lawsuit was filed.

"This is bigger than football," Bills general manager Brandon Beane said after Araiza's release. "Let's just step back and (let Araiza) go handle this. That's what we thought was most important."

It now remains to be seen where Araiza will end up after his new destination had previously seemed certain.

You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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Zach Dimmitt
ZACH DIMMITT

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