Tag: Kadarius Toney

Seahawks dodge a bullet, as free agent WR Kadarius Toney signs with the Browns

Seahawks dodge a bullet, as free agent WR Kadarius Toney signs with the Browns

Last week, the Seattle Seahawks hosted free agent wide receiver Kadarius Toney for a visit. Toney, a two-time Super Bowl champion, was released by the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason following a much-maligned 2023 campaign.

Despite incredible depth at the wide receiver position, Toney did visit the Seahawks. General manager John Schneider has been on the record multiple times saying he’s going to be in on every type of deal, and perhaps Toney was another example of this. However, Schneider also says it’s important to know when to walk away.

Whether or not the Seahawks decided to walk away on their own or not, the point is now moot. On Monday it was reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz that Toney was signing with the Cleveland Browns.

https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1833262604699242885

The Browns, coming off a playoff appearance last year, were defined by their solid defense and their rather lackluster offense as the Cleveland quarterback carousel was in full effect last year thanks to a season ending injruy to Deshaun Watson. Despite Watson coming back, 2024 started with more terrible offense.

Cleveland started the season at home against the Dallas Cowboys and things went south rather fast. The Cowboys had built up a 27-3 lead by the start of the third quarter, amd eventually was 33-10 by the fourth. Watson only had 169 yards passing, and 44 of them came from tight end David Njoku. After Njoku, Cleveland’s next four receivers for the game had totals of 27, 25, 25 and 20 yards.

While the obvious issue for the Browns is terrible quarterback play, perhaps Cleveland is hoping to give Watson another weapon – albeit a frustratingly inconsistent one – could help do something to bring back the caliber of player he was in Houston.

Whatever it may be, it’s now Cleveland’s problem. The 12’s can likely breathe a sigh of relief that they won’t have to see Toney wearing the action green and college navy.

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Browns sign WR Kadarius Toney to practice squad ahead of Jaguars tilt

Browns sign WR Kadarius Toney to practice squad ahead of Jaguars tilt

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.

Browns host volatile former first round draft pick for tryout

After getting cut by the Chiefs, a former first round wide receiver had a workout in Cleveland.

Free agent wide receiver Kadarius Toney auditioned for the Cleveland Browns this week, as first reported by ESPN analyst Field Yates.

The former first-round pick recently played with the Kansas Chiefs in 2023, where he caught 27 catches for 169 yards. Although his career hasn’t taken off as expected, there is still belief in the young wide receiver’s potential to have a greater impact in the NFL. The 25-year-old Toney also recently tried out for the Seattle Seahawks after he was recently cut from the Chiefs during 53-man roster cuts.

Toney wasn’t the only free agent to try out this week as Cleveland hosted several players for workouts. However, this visit sparks more interest than most due to the recent release of Browns wide receiver David Bell. The team hopes to retain him and keep him on the practice squad while he returns to full health.

While Bell’s roster spot has not been filled yet, Browns general manager Andrew Berry is expected to fill it before Sunday’s matchup.

Report: No deal imminent between Seahawks and Kadarius Toney

Report: No deal imminent between Seahawks and Kadarius Toney

Free agent wide receiver Kadarius Toney has concluded his visit with the Seattle Seahawks, according to national reports. A contract between Toney and Seahawks general manager John Schneider isn’t imminent, and the versatile wideout is expected to take at least one more team visit elsewhere. The update was provided via social media by ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler.

https://twitter.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1831300685482094733

Toney was released from his contract by the Chiefs during last week’s roster cut-down period. The former Florida standout finished the 2024 preseason with five receptions for 22 yards. Toney failed to meet the Chiefs’ expectations as he routinely struggled with drops and inconsistencies. He caught just 27 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown with five drops in 13 regular-season appearances last season. He couldn’t earn considerable playing-time on a Chiefs roster that lacked wideout depth.

Toney originally entered the league as a first-round selection of the New York Giants in the 2021 NFL Draft. One tumultuous campaign with the Big Blue led to his trade to the Chiefs. Toney hasn’t proven himself as an NFL-caliber receiver through three completed campaigns.

The Seahawks are deep at receiver with the trio of DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett. The practice squad, which would likely be Toney’s first destination if he joined Seattle, only has Cody White at receiver following Easop Winston Jr.’s release, so a second wideout could soon be added to the reserve team.

We’ll continue following Toney’s journey as he’s reportedly set to meet with another franchise before making a decision.

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Seahawks host free agent WR Kadarius Toney for a visit

Seahawks host free agent WR Kadarius Toney for a visit

The Seattle Seahawks must be acting on a “leave no stone unturned” mentality with their latest free agent visit. On Tuesday afternoon, it was reported the Seahawks had hosted free agent wide receiver – and two time Super Bowl champion – Kadarius Toney for a visit.

Yup, the very same Kadarius Toney who had a considerable issue with drops and was quietly benched during Kansas City’s playoff run last season.

The Seahawks are obviously known for their wide receiver depth, led by the trio of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. However, the wide receiver depth has been challenged as of late, as Lockett has missed several weeks with a nagging leg injury.

Now, Lockett this week mentioned he plans on playing against the Broncos on Week 1, it is still concerning to hear the ten-year veteran is already dealing with health issues this early in the season. Perhaps Lockett’s situation is serious enough to where the Seahawks are looking at potential extra options… as sort of a “break glass in case of emergency” situation.

If this is the case, Seattle can certainly do better than Kadarius Toney. Originally a first round pick by the New York Giants in the 2021 NFL draft, Toney was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs after only one tumultuous season with Big Blue. The change of scenery seemed to be working for Toney, as he played a big role in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII victory over the Eagles. He hauled in a go-head touchdown, and set a Super Bowl record for the longest punt return.

But his second season in Kansas City was less memorable. His poor play, specifically with drops, made him a considerable liability. In 13 games, Toney only caught 27 passes for 169 yards and a lone touchdown, with five drops.

Toney finished the 2024 preseason with five total receptions for 22 yards, and that’s all she wrote for his Chiefs career. Kansas City released the beleaguered receiver in late August, making him a free agent.

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Chiefs GM doesn’t regret trading with Giants for Kadarius Toney

Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach says he doesn’t regret trading with the New York Giants for WR Kadarius Toney despite how things ended up.

In 2021, the New York Giants used a first-round draft pick to select wide receiver Kadarius Toney.

Despite his talent, Toney’s career has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Those issues, plus his lackadaisical and immature attitude, are what led the Giants to trade him to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.

Earlier this offseason, the Chiefs opted against exercising Toney’s fifth-year option and then waived him as a part of final cuts this past Tuesday. Still, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach says, he wouldn’t change a thing.

“I don’t think we’re sitting here going for a third straight Super Bowl [championship] had we not made that trade,” Veach said, via ESPN. “So, from that standpoint, we’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.”

Toney’s play on special teams did aid the Chiefs in their Super Bowl victories. But while he came up big in those games, he also cost them several during the regular season.

Veach went on to say how much the Chiefs liked Toney, that he is a “smart kid” and that some of the things plaguing his career were bad luck. But bad luck tends to find people who are consistently in a negative space.

“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,” Veach said. “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.”

Over his four-year career, Toney has 82 receptions for 760 yards and three touchdowns. As of this writing, he remains a free agent.

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Chiefs GM Brett Veach reflects on Kadarius Toney’s tenure: ‘We’re certainly disappointed’

Kansas City #Chiefs GM Brett Veach reflects on Kadarius Toney’s tenure: ‘We’re certainly disappointed’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing their team for next Thursday’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, with new players replacing departed talent due to roster cuts.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach addressed the decision to release wide receiver Kadarius Toney earlier during Thursday’s Zoom press conference.

“I mean, look, I think we’re certainly disappointed. I think he’s disappointed. We really like the kid, and I know that people could have different takes on Kadarius, but I know in this building, he’s a bright kid.” said Veach. “He’s a smart kid. I think when you look back on it, some of the stuff is, is a stroke of bad luck in regards to some of the injuries you can’t control, like walking out the first day of training camp last year and tearing his MCL.”

Toney was hampered by multiple injuries, including knee surgery at the start of training camp, finishing the 2023 season with 169 yards and a touchdown on 27 receptions.

“I mean, that was just unfortunate. Some of the things I think that we talked about were sometimes you can make some bad luck turn into good luck by just doing some little things in the offseason, such as taking care of your body,” said Veach. “I think that’s a process he’s working through, and again, it’s certainly not for a lack of talent, and that’s a situation where I think when you move on from players like that, I think everyone feels disappointed.”

Toney played 13 games, starting two last season, dealing with ankle injuries and a torn MCL from training camp.

“As far as our relationship with the kid, I really like the kid. I don’t think that we’ve seen the end of him, and I think he’ll have a chance,” said Veach. “I think if he’s able to tighten up, you know, 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.”

Toney was traded to the Chiefs from the New York Giants on October 27, 2022, in exchange for a third and a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Veach fielded questions regarding possible regrets for making the deal to acquire the speedy receiver.

“I don’t think we’re sitting here going for a third straight Super Bowl. Had we not made that trade,” said Veach. “So from that standpoint, do it all over again in a heartbeat. I think it’s always disappointing when a player’s tenure ends in that situation, meaning you will have players that the age catches up to them. You’ll have players where maybe it’s a really serious injury, and then you’ll have players that you move on from where the talent just wasn’t there. So I think when you have to move on from a player, and the full product, or the finished product, or untapping all that talent wasn’t realized, there’s a disappointment.”

The Chiefs added JuJu Smith-Schuster earlier in the week, possibly as an indication that they weren’t planning to move forward with Toney in 2024.

Chiefs expected to cut controversial wide receiver Kadarius Toney

According to a report, the Kansas City #Chiefs are set to part ways with controversial WR Kadarius Toney. | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ experiments with mercurial wide receiver Kadarius Toney are over.

According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kansas City released Toney after almost two full seasons with the franchise. His promising performance in the Chiefs’ preseason game against the Chicago Bears last Thursday doesn’t appear to have been enough to earn him a spot on the 53-man roster.

Head coach Andy Reid’s press conference following the game heavily hinted that he was on the bubble, referencing his competition to make the team.

The former first-round draft pick of the New York Giants in 2021 was traded around the deadline in 2022 to Kansas City. After a promising finish to that season and contributing to the Super Bowl victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, he was expected to play a more significant role in 2023.

He was hampered by multiple injuries, including knee surgery at the start of training camp, finishing the season with 169 yards and a touchdown on 27 receptions.

 

Toney’s off-the-field issues became more problematic through his social media activity and unexplained behavior. He suffered dropped passes and unforced errors, none more significant than the offensive offsides call against him in a late-season loss to the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium.

He ends his Chiefs tenure with more questions about what could have been and disappointment because of his high-caliber potential.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid comments on Kadarius Toney’s progress: ‘He’s in a battle to make the team’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid comments on Kadarius Toney’s progress: ‘He’s in a battle to make the team’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs and every NFL team will reduce their rosters to 53 players over the next few days. Several players, including Super Bowl champions over the last few seasons, are on the bubble.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke with reporters after Thursday’s preseason finale, addressing several topics, including wide receiver Kadarius Toney.

“We went through last year with him (Toney). So we kind of know what he is. He’s a talented kid, and he’s in a battle to make the team and all that bad, but we’ve never questioned the talent there at all.” said Reid. “So it’s just him staying healthy, (which was) the main thing.”

Toney caught two passes for 26 yards during his short stint on the field against the Chicago Bears. He also returned a punt for 16 yards, adding to his resume a reminder of the versatility he can bring to the team.

Toney has battled an injury from training camp again and hopes to rebound from a disappointing 2023 season. He finished last season with 169 yards and a touchdown on 27 receptions.

Former Gators Super Bowl winner faces roster cut this fall

USA TODAY Sports thinks Kadarius Toney has a good chance of being cut before next week’s NFL roster deadline.

The great roster crunch is coming to the NFL next Tuesday when all 32 teams will be forced to shear their rosters down to 53 players in advance of the regular season. One former Florida Gator might be on the cusp of being cut next week.

Wide receiver [autotag]Kadarius Toney[/autotag] has had a rollercoaster career in the professional ranks in just three seasons stretching between the New York Giants, who selected him with the 20th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, and the Kansas City Chiefs, with whom he won a Super Bowl ring the past two seasons.

However, USA TODAY Sports writer Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz feels like the mercurial pass-catcher is on the outs with his current team.

“Toney’s fall from Super Bowl 57 standout to an untrustworthy target might end with him tumbling all the way off the roster next week. His 2023 season was defined by a series of high-profile errors, starting with his drops in the Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions and continuing with his offside penalty that wiped out a go-ahead touchdown against the Buffalo Bills.”

Things got even worse for Toney last season as the schedule progressed and trickled into the preseason.

“He finished the year inactive for the team’s final seven games, including Super Bowl 58. Toney’s sloppiness has extended into this preseason, with the receiver committing two penalties on his first exhibition snap last week. Andy Reid has been patient in affording Toney additional chances, but that could be coming to an end.”

With Chiefs first-round pick Xavier Worthy in the mix and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown seemingly avoiding major injury – and no sign of a potential Rashee Rice suspension just yet — it appears that Toney’s days in the BBQ capital of the world are numbered.

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