Chiefs aren’t giving up on Kadarius Toney in 2024

Andy Reid recently called Toney “arguably one of the most talented guys we have on the team.”

When the NFL Draft concludes next Saturday, we will have a clear picture of what the Kansas City Chiefs’ 90-man roster will look like heading into training camp, the preseason and (eventually) the campaign to three-peat as Super Bowl champions.

With that clarity will come the beginning of 53-man projections — and I suspect that in that exercise, many will assume Kadarius Toney would be the odd man out of the wide receiver room. After playing a vital role in the Super Bowl LVII win over the Philadelphia Eagles with his late-game punt return and touchdown, Toney had an underwhelming 2023 season.

Appearing in 13 regular-season games, he managed just 38 touches for 200 scrimmage yards and a touchdown during the regular season. Toney was inactive for the entire postseason.

Still, when the Chiefs traded with the New York Giants for the receiver, they inherited his contract, which includes a $2.5 million salary for the 2024 season. While it is unlikely Kansas City would opt to enact his fifth-year option (2025), he has a reasonable chance to make this year’s roster, especially considering the words of head coach Andy Reid from earlier this week.

“Kadarius is arguably one of the most talented guys we have on the team,” declared Reid. “It’s just a matter of staying healthy and being able to stay on the field. You always hear about the reliability, accountability, all of those things that go into it — so I’m expecting him to come back ripping and ready to go.”

Toney was recently spotted among the pass-catchers down at “Camp Pat” in Texas on Hollywood Brown’s Instagram. Patrick Mahomes has complimented Toney and third-year receiver Skyy Moore on their leadership at the on-field workouts.

“I always enjoy guys like Skyy and Kadarius, guys that are teaching too at the same time,” said Mahomes. “I think it’s a healthy competition; that’s what you want on any team, and I think we have a great team for it.”

The NFL’s new kickoff rule in 2024 has been designed to heavily reward returns over the alternative. Toney should be well into that mix. It is obvious now that it isn’t about a question of talent in the eyes of the Chiefs when it comes to Toney; it’s simply about staying on the football field.

“It’s great that he’s down there working with Pat and putting the work in, so that’s a positive,” said Reid. “Listen, we like Kadarius it’s just a matter of having him on the field.”