Chiefs End Kadarius Toney Era With Surprise Signing Announcement

Aug 22, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by Chicago Bears linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga (45) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Aug 22, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by Chicago Bears linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga (45) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images / Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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The Chiefs have officially shut the door on the Kadarius Toney era in Kansas City, handing his former number #19 to their newest signing.

Tyquan Thornton joined the organization on Monday in a surprising move, and he's now taken over Toney's jersey. Both are former high draft picks with big upside, though it sounds like Andy Reid and Brett Veach don't have any interest in a potential reunion.

While Toney just made his debut with the Browns, losing seven yards on his only touch, the Chiefs have clearly moved on.

Chiefs Give New Signing Kadarius Toney's Old Jersey Number

Most fans aren't particularly upset about Toney's absence. He had a major problem catching the football. For all of his talent, Toney just couldn't stick as a legitimate weapon with the team.

That said, there's no question that acquiring him was a success. Toney still holds the record for the longest punt return in Super Bowl history and scored a TD against the Eagles as well, yet he's now desperately fighting for his career.

To Thornton's credit, he's already impressed Mahomes with his size and athleticism. Perhaps the former second-round pick has a greater chance of success, though Toney's unrivaled skill still makes his absence hard to stomach.

Obviously, it was time for Kansas City to move on. They've clearly elected to go in a different direction, but some fans justifiably wonder what could've been.

Either way, Toney is gone and his era with the franchise will remain a great "what-if" as time passes. Toney could've been a memorable player but now, he'll just be regarded as someone who couldn't make it work with the best team of the era.


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