Buffalo Bills: A look back at the 2022 draft class

Round 5: Matt Araiza

Matt Araiza, whom the Bills drafted in the fifth round in 2022 was their first “miss” in the draft, and unfortunately it had nothing to do with his skill or him as a player. Deemed the “punt god” coming out of San Diego State, Araiza started the preseason with the Bills and looked like he was going to be a unique addition to their special teams.

During the preseason, details emerged of a civil lawsuit in which Araiza was accused, along with two of his college teammates, of sexual assault while at San Diego State. The Bills released Araiza during the preseason with GM Brandon Beane saying:

"“Let’s just step back and let Araiza go handle this. That’s what we though was most important.”"

Buffalo then pivoted late in the preseason and signed Sam Martin, who had an excellent season leading to the Bills bringing him back this off-season on a three-year deal worth up to $7.5 million.

Araiza was rumored earlier in the off-season to be headed to Mexico to try to resurrect his football career. However after charges were not brought against him in December of 2022, Araiza now hopes to return to the NFL, though that certainly will not be with the Buffalo Bills.