Chiefs GM "disappointed" after Kadarius Toney cut from roster
The Kansas City Chiefs released wide receiver Kadarius Toney on Tuesday, ending his two-year stint with the franchise. They acquired him in a midseason trade with the New York Giants during the 2022 NFL season.
He played a critical role in their Super Bowl win over the Philadelphia Eagles with a touchdown and a 65-yard punt return in the fourth quarter. The former first round pick played 13 games last year and caught 27 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown.
Underwhelming numbers aside, the slew of passes Toney dropped or deflected into their opponent's hands became a major storyline last season. It ultimately left the team with no choice but to cut the wide receiver, which general manager Brett Veach wished wasn't the case.
"We're certainly disappointed. I think he's disappointed. We really liked the kid, and I know that people have different takes on Kadarius, but I know in this building he's a bright kid, he's a smart kid. When you look back on it, some of this stuff is a stroke of bad luck in regards to some of the injuries you can't control, " Veach said to the media.
However, his offensive struggles seemingly weren't the only reason the Chiefs parted ways with him.
Why did the Chiefs cut Kadarius Toney?
Veach hinted that Toney's physical condition wasn't as good as the team expected when he came into training camp, and this played a role in their decision to release him.
"Sometimes you can make some bad luck turn into good luck by just doing some little things in the offseason [to] take care of your body. I think that's a process he's working through. It's certainly not for a lack of talent. ... If he's able to tighten up some of the offseason stuff and get his body [right], I think he'll go out there and make a ton of plays for another team," Veach said.
The 46-year-old general manager added that the team had no regrets about trading for Toney. He firmly said that the franchise wouldn't be in a position to potentially win three Super Bowls on the trot without the wide receiver's heroics.
Prior to releasing Toney, the Chiefs signed Juju-Smith Schuster; and he'll likely take the 25-year-old's place on the depth chart. As for the free agent, it's unclear where he'll end up and if he'll find a team to play for before Week 1.