The Kansas City Chiefs released Kadarius Toney after two seasons, but other teams should be in the mix for his services. The wide receiver is now subject to waivers and should be one of the more interesting names on the wire. The former first-round pick is one of the most frustrating players to watch, as his talent is evident every time he has the ball in space. At his best, he’s an electric playmaker with elite athleticism capable of making magic after the catch and creating separation early in his routes.
Unfortunately, Kadarius Toney is wildly inconsistent, which is why he’s switching teams for the third time in his short career. The Florida product has yet to play more than 13 games in a season and has a propensity for drops and bone-headed plays even when on the field. He probably won’t ever live up to his first-round draft pedigree, but a team like the New England Patriots or Los Angeles Chargers could try and fix him.
Patriots, Chargers Top Teams For Kadarius Toney
For better or worse, the New England Patriots are embracing the youth movement. With Kendrick Bourne starting the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list, New England’s Week 1 starting receivers will be third-year Tyquan Thornton, second-year Demario Douglas, and rookie Ja’Lynn Polk. Douglas was one of the few bright spots on New England’s offense last year and Polk had a strong camp, but the Patriots could use more help at the position. Seeing as they finished the 2023 season with the third-worst record in football, they have strong odds of being one of the first teams to land Kadarius Toney.
The Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders are the only two teams that could come between the New England Patriots and Kadarius Toney. While neither team has a perfect roster by any stretch of the imagination, it’s difficult to imagine either one investing in Toney. The Panthers have proven veterans in Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen paired with the high-upside combination of first-round pick Xavier Legette and 2023 second-round pick Jonathan Mingo. The Commanders, meanwhile, felt good enough about their receivers to trade Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles.
More Help In Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Chargers have arguably the worst wide receiver room in the NFL. Much like the Patriots, they’re placing all their faith in rookie second-round pick Ladd McConkey and hoping 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston can turn it around. However, unlike the Patriots, the Chargers are trying to compete in 2024 and have players like Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa who can power this team to a playoff run if the offense pulls its weight. Justin Herbert is incredible, but he could use a player like Kadarius Toney to help power this offense past the other elite teams in the AFC.
Chances are, Toney will never live up to his promise. However, if there’s anyone who can get the best of him, it’s Jim Harbaugh. Say what you will about the eccentric coach’s old-school mentality, but he knows how to bring the best out of his players. Even if it’s only in a gadget role, Toney could bring some much-needed life to this offense. As an added bonus, Los Angeles should savor the opportunity to steal the receiver from the dreaded rival Kansas City Chiefs.
Main Photo: Jay Biggerstaff – USA Today Sports
