Ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Cleveland Browns added an offensive weapon to their practice squad: former first-round NFL draft pick Kadarius Toney.
Toney, who spent time with the New York and Kansas City since his No. 20 overall selection by the Giants in 2021, has recorded 82 receptions for 760 yards and three touchdowns in 32 NFL appearances.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the 25-year-old had other visits in the works but ultimately decided to sign with Cleveland.
Having played college football at the nearby University of Florida, Toney could have worn black and teal to begin his NFL career if former Jacksonville head coach Urban Meyer had his way.
“I’ve gotten to know him over the last couple weeks and obviously my connection with [former Florida head coach] Dan Mullen and those guys,” Meyer said in 2021. “If you watch him play; he’s a human highlight reel.”
In the 2021 NFL draft, the Jaguars were in a prime position to make a play at Toney until the Giants picked him at No. 20, just five spots ahead of Jacksonville in the order.
Instead, the Jaguars selected running back Travis Etienne Jr., who after missing his rookie season with a foot injury posted back-to-back 1,000+ rushing yard seasons between 2022 and 2023.
The Browns have six receivers on their active roster: Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Jaelon Darden, Elijah Moore, Jamari Thrash and Cedric Tillman.
However, Cleveland could be adjusting its offensive personnel after its brutal showing against Dallas Sunday, with quarterback Deshaun Watson posting 169 passing yards on 45 attempts.
To make matters worse, the Browns lost star tight end David Njoku to an ankle sprain against the Cowboys. Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski called Njoku “week-to-week” Monday.