Jets: Matt Araiza Gets Another Shot at NFL After Gang Rape Case

(Photo : Michael Hickey/Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Matt Araiza (#PK01) of the San Diego State Aztecs speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 5, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Earlier this month, a 200-page transcript of a meeting between prosecutors and the alleged victim of a gang rape case involving football punter Matt Araiza revealed that the former Bills player was not involved in the incident.

The victim's lawyer disclosed that Araiza had already left the vicinity of the party where the assault occurred by the time it happened, according to a report by Dan Wetzel of Yahoo! Sports.

The revelation had opened up doors of opportunities for the 23-year-old Araiza, who was promptly released by the Buffalo Bills without ever playing a regular season game for the team in August 2022, when the gang rape allegations were made public.

New York Jets Take Chance on Matt Araiza

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted that the New York Jets had invited Araiza to workout with the team.

Jets are working out free-agent punter Matt Araiza today, his agent @JLSports3 confirmed.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 24, 2023

Radio host Scott Kaplan said in his podcast, Scott Kaplan & Crew, that Araiza deserves a second chance to play in the NFL to redeem himself.

14-year veteran Thomas Morstead is the only punter on the current Jets roster. Araiza was named as starting punter for the Bills before he was let go.

The team recently acquired future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers in a trade involving several draft picks to boost their chances of being competitive in the upcoming 2023 NFL season.