(Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, declined the fifth-year option for the 2025 season on wide receiver Kadarius Toney’s contract, according to a report from ESPN. This move leaves Toney with just one more season remaining on the deal he signed with the New York Giants as a first-round draft pick in 2021.
Toney joined the Chiefs through a trade the following year.
Management’s Confidence and Toney’s Role
Both General Manager Brett Veach and Coach Andy Reid recently affirmed Toney’s role in the Chiefs’ plans for the upcoming season.
“I don’t think we ever stopped believing in him,” Veach said shortly before the draft. “I think people around the building like him. It’s the injury bug. Hopefully, he gets some luck on his side and can stay healthy and can be the player that he was at Florida and the player that we’ve seen in spurts here. I’m just hoping he has a good offseason and has a little luck on his side and can stay healthy.”
Toney’s Performance and Injuries in 2023
Toney had a disappointing 2023 season for the Chiefs. He sustained a meniscus tear while fielding kicks on the first day of training camp, which sidelined him for the rest of the camp.
Although he returned for the season opener after undergoing surgery, his deflection of a catchable pass to an opponent resulted in a crucial play during a one-point loss to the Detroit Lions.
Throughout the season, injuries continued to hamper Toney’s performance. The Chiefs listed him on their injury report for 19 out of 21 games, including postseason matchups.
Toney only managed 27 receptions for 169 yards and a single touchdown in 13 games.
Impactful Mistakes: Toney’s Errors in Key Games
Toney’s season was marred by costly errors for the Chiefs. In a Week 14 game against the Buffalo Bills, he seemingly scored the winning touchdown after receiving a lateral from Travis Kelce. However, the play was nullified due to Toney being penalized for offside, ultimately leading to the Chiefs’ loss.
In the following week against the New England Patriots, Toney’s deflection of another catchable pass resulted in an interception for the opponent. Subsequently, he did not play for the remainder of the season, including the postseason.
Chiefs’ Future Plans: New Additions for Wide Receiver Lineup
As the Chiefs prepare for the upcoming season, they aim to bolster their wide receiver lineup with major free agent acquisition Marquise Brown and their first-round draft pick, Xavier Worthy.
