Chiefs Release Controversial Playmaker on Cutdown Day
By Joe Summers
The Chiefs made their first major WR release ahead of Tuesday's cutdown deadline, saying goodbye to Kadarius Toney following an inconsistent two seasons with the organization.
Originally a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Toney won two rings with Kansas City and holds the record for the longest punt return in Super Bowl history. He appeared in 20 total games with the Chiefs though was a healthy scratch throughout the 2023 playoffs.
Toney's release was expected once the team brought back JuJu Smith-Schuster but is still major news nonetheless given his pedigree.
Chiefs News: KC Cuts WR Kadarius Toney
Source: The #Chiefs are waiving Kadarius Toney, but he’ll have a market elsewhere. The talented playmakers story isn’t done yet. pic.twitter.com/WrTOebXjLr
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2024
Brett Veach and Andy Reid were determined to enter the 2024 campaign with a significantly improved wideout room. Kansas City lead the league in drops (44) last season, with Toney's disastrous Week 1 effort against the Lions foreshadowing what was to come.
Toney leaves the Chiefs with 420 receiving yards and three TDs. He showed tremendous practice early on, with Veach even calling him the team's most talented receiver. Things didn't work out in that regard, though he'll likely get another chance sooner than later.
Kansas City reportedly tried to trade him to no avail. It's unclear what kind of market Toney will have, yet it's easy to see how fans and team personnel see untapped promise in the former Florida standout.
More cuts are on the way as the Chiefs trim their roster down to 53 players. Toney was perhaps the most controversial player on the team and now the organization has given up on his promise.
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