Two-time Super Bowl champion Kadarius Toney didn’t work out with the New York Giants or Kansas City Chiefs but could get a third shot with the Seattle Seahawks. A physically gifted player, Toney has yet to capitalize on his unreached potential. Anyone who has even passively watched him in action sees a player with the raw physical ability to be a force in this league. He’s one of the game’s better athletes with elite skills after the catch and the route-running potential to get open right off the line.
Unfortunately, the wide receiver cannot get out of his own way. While he flashed promise throughout his three-year career, most of his on-field results leave something to be desired. Between drops and unforgivable mental mistakes, Toney wore out his welcome with the Chiefs. The Seattle Seahawks brought Kadarius Toney in for a visit, but they probably won’t be the only team interested in securing his services.
Former Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney visited today with the Seahawks.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 3, 2024
Chargers, Saints Could Fight Seahawks For Kadarius Toney
It’s somewhat surprising to see the Seahawks pursuing Kadarius Toney. The team already has three reliable receivers in D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and 2023 first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Perhaps the team hopes to use Toney in a special teams role, but they already have a solid option in former Jaguars second-round pick Laviska Shenault. This could just be due diligence, or perhaps the Tyler Lockett injury is more serious than we’re led to believe. While reports indicate he should suit up in Week 1, perhaps he won’t be at full strength.
One team that could use Kadarius Toney far more than the Seahawks is the Los Angeles Chargers. After parting ways with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in the offseason, the team is banking on the untested duo of Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston to lead the passing attack. Both players have potential, but McConkey has yet to play an NFL snap and Johnston had one of the worst rookie seasons in recent memory. With no “sure things” available at this point in the offseason, head coach Jim Harbaugh might as well throw darts and see what sticks.
Joshua Palmer and DJ Chark are unremarkable journeymen and seventh-round pick Brenden Rice lacks upside. Kadarius Toney is anything but a sure thing, but the potential Seahawk has the raw talent to be a starting-caliber receiver in this game. He probably won’t ever reach that potential, but with this underwhelming depth chart, it can’t hur t to kick the tires and see what he can do.
Desperate Saints
The New Orleans Saints spent the past few seasons stuck in a loop of mediocrity, but that could end in 2024. Instead of being middle of the pack, they could just be bad in 2024. While the team has some talented players on defense, the offense will be an issue in the upcoming season. New Orleans has arguably the worst offensive line in football, and Derek Carr is one of the league’s worst quarterbacks when pressured. Kadarius Toney cannot play offensive line, but stealing him from the Seahawks could mitigate some of the issues with the blocking.
New Orleans needs another player who can quickly get open after the snap. Chris Olave can do a little bit of everything, but Rashid Shaheed is more of a pure deep threat. Kadarius Toney might find a home in the slot here, and his ability to win early in the snap and create yards after the catch could be a godsend. Adding a player like this will allow Carr to get rid of the ball quickly, limiting the effects of the opposing pass rush.
Main Photo: Jay Biggerstaff – USA Today Sports
