One year after he entered the season as the top receiver on Kansas City’s depth chart, the Chiefs could cut Kadarius Toney in just a few days. A first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Florida product wore out his welcome in New York and joined the Chiefs midway through the 2022 season. While he spent most of that truncated season in a depth role, he made two major plays in Kansas City’s 38-35 Super Bowl win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t carry that momentum into the 2023 season. Despite having every opportunity to see the field, the veteran finished the season with just 27 receptions for 169 yards and one touchdown, along with a seemingly endless reel of drops and lowlights. Head coach Andy Reid recently said Kadarius Toney is “in a battle” for a roster spot, which means the team could cut him in the coming days. While he hasn’t played up to his draft capital, he could earn another shot with a receiver-needy team like the New Orleans Saints or Los Angeles Chargers.
Scheduled Kadarius Toney drop that turns into an INT
pic.twitter.com/Sst30Sl1Ok— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 17, 2023
Chiefs Could Cut Kadarius Toney – Saints, Chargers Should Be Interested
The New Orleans Saints find themselves in a precarious situation heading into the 2024 season. This team does not have the talent to compete for a Super Bowl, but their constant restructures imply they don’t want to enter a rebuild. The NFC South is perhaps the weakest division in football, so you don’t need a juggernaut to earn a playoff spot. The Falcons and Buccaneers are betting favorites for the division, so the Saints could go after a low-risk, medium-reward option like Kadarius Toney if the Chiefs cut him.
The biggest problem with the Saints is their offensive line. Derek Carr is one of the worst quarterbacks in the league against pressure, and the Saints have one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines. Rather than trying to find three starting-caliber players on short notice, New Orleans could sign a player whose presence will minimize the importance of the offensive line. At his best, Kadarius Toney can get open early, as his quick cut ability and lateral agility allow him to create pockets of separation before the pass rush can get home. The Saints could use a third receiver with Michael Thomas gone, and Toney might be the most cost-effective player available.
Whatever Help They Can Find
Justin Herbert is back on the field, which means the Los Angeles Chargers stand a fighting chance in 2024. However, it’s hard to envision them getting past the Kansas City Chiefs with their current receiving core. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey has promise, and 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston seems to be improving in training camp after a disastrous rookie season. However, even if both players pan out (and that’s a big ‘if’), the Chargers still don’t have that many exciting receivers. Kadarius Toney might not be the most consistent player, but the cut candidate has the potential to be a dangerous weapon.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh excels at getting the best out of his players. There’s a decent chance Kadarius Toney is a lost cause, as it appears two teams will give up on him in just under four years. However, if anyone can bring out the best in the shifty, dynamic playmakers, it’s probably Harbaugh.
Main Photo: Jay Biggerstaff – USA Today Sports
