The ongoing fight at wide receiver is one of the most important themes when the Chiefs begin training camp on July 21.
Several players are competing for just a few spots, and Nate Taylor of The Athletic recently suggested that much-maligned wideout Kadarius Toney could be dealt.
Toney had a poor 2023 campaign, catching only 27 catches for 169 yards and a touchdown. Kansas City declined Toney’s fifth-year option, allowing them to move on if he does not perform well in camp.
With youngsters like undrafted WR Nikko Remigio turning heads at summer drills, Toney’s time with the team may be limited.
Chiefs Insider Floats Possibility of Kadarius Toney Trade
I highly doubt there's a trade market for Kadarius Toney at this point. But the Chiefs can pray.
Also speculation in same Athletic article about Skyy Moore being on roster bubble: https://t.co/xj54oUN1fV pic.twitter.com/eOxZnnO2cP
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) July 9, 2024
Brett Veach and the coaching staff praise Toney, but actions speak louder than words.
“This is a make-or-break year for Toney, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract,” according to Taylor. “In addition to staying healthy, Toney must continue to restore his relationship and chemistry with Mahomes while also demonstrating that he can be one of the top targets for backup quarterback Carson Wentz throughout the preseason.
One might argue that Toney is still the Chiefs’ most skilled receiver…To secure his roster position, Toney must display consistency in camp and during the preseason.
Toney has struggled with consistency throughout his career. He’ll break a couple tackles or perhaps establish a Super Bowl record for the longest punt return on one play, only to drop an easy pass the next. It makes no difference how high his potential is as a player if he can’t be trusted to avoid his floor.
“If he doesn’t do well in camp, Toney could be a candidate to be traded ahead of Aug. 27, the NFL’s annual cutdown date,” Taylor tells us. “If Toney is traded, that would create $2.5 million in salary-cap space for the Chiefs with no dead money, according to Over the Cap.”
In my perspective, the finest version of this roster still features Toney, who is healthy and productive. He possesses a unique skill set, and if he can maintain consistency, the Chiefs’ offense might reach new heights.
That’s a hefty “if,” so it’s logical that the team would look into alternative options. How Toney performs will be one of the most important storylines in St. Joseph, and characters like Remigio will be totally focused on capitalizing on any mistakes Toney makes.