After an offseason featuring a number of moves made at the receiver position, questions remain with respect to the future of Chiefs wideout Kadarius Toney. The former trade acquisition is in a much different situation now than he was this time last offseason.
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Toney’s performance in Super Bowl LVII led to high expectations ahead of the 2023 campaign. Instead, the 2021 first-rounder struggled when on the field and found himself a healthy scratch midway through the season and into the playoffs. That stretch included accusations of the team lying about his health situation, but he remains in the fold for at least the immediate future.
Kansas City declined Toney’s 2025 fifth-year option, making him a pending free agent. The 25-year-old’s market will be dictated by his ability to stay on the field and deliver on the potential he has flashed at times during his NFL tenure. Toney was known to be a release candidate earlier this offseason, however, and head coach Andy Reid‘s latest comments on him confirm his roster spot is far from a guarantee,
“We went through last year with him, so we kind of know who he is,” Reid said in press conference following Kansas City’s preseason finale (video link). “He’s a talented kid. He’s in a battle to make the team and all that bit, but we’ve never questioned the talent there. Him staying healthy was the main thing.”
The defending champions added Marquise Brown in free agency and Xavier Worthy on Day 1 of the draft. They are positioned to occupy notable roles in Kansas City’s passing attack, and the same will likely be true of Rashee Rice once he is available to the team (which may end being as early as Week 1). Skyy Moore, Mecole Hardman and Justin Watson are also in place as depth receiver options.
While trying to find a role for Toney, the Florida alum has seen time at running back this summer. Reid’s remarks make Toney’s status one to watch closely as roster cutdowns loom, but at this point it would come as little surprise if he were to find himself on a new team come the fall.
