Araiza, who spent most of the preseason last year as Kansas City’s punter, now enters 2025’s regular-season roster as the incumbent. He boasts one of the strongest legs in the league—leading the NFL in average yards per punt during Super Bowl LIX with 51.8 yards on six attempts. While his touchback rate and ability to place punts inside the 20-yard line saw room for improvement, coaches believe the roster battle elevated his game.

The decision to move on from Czaplicki, a highly regarded undrafted free agent who impressed early in camp, came after mounting injuries and limited snaps. Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub hinted he had hoped for a longer competition, but practical circumstances forcefully finalized Kansas City’s direction. Araiza’s experience tipped the scales.

This roster move clears up one lingering question ahead of the Chiefs’ preseason opener on August 9. With Araiza locked in at punter, Kansas City fans and analysts can shift focus back to the more headline-grabbing battles—none more consequential than the left tackle fight.

That duel features rookie first-round pick Josh Simmons pitted against veteran Jaylon Moore. Analysts believe this is one of the top training camp matchups across the league, given Kansas City’s ongoing need for offensive line stability. Simmons, still recovering from a torn patellar tendon, has impressed in first-team reps and could settle the position for years if he continues his upward trajectory. Moore, signed this offseason to bolster the line, remains a legitimate challenger. Arrowhead

As for Araiza, securing the punter role removes one unknown from Kansas City’s special teams equation. With the job now his to lose, he’ll look to refine his hang time and ball placement while maintaining his booming leg strength.