The ongoing position battle at wide receiver is one of the biggest storylines as the Chiefs start training camp on July 21. Several players are battling for just a couple of spots, and Nate Taylor of The Athletic recently floated the possibility that much-maligned wideout Kadarius Toney could be traded.
Toney suffered through a disappointing 2023 campaign, catching just 27 passes for 169 yards and a TD. Kansas City declined his fifth-year option, paving the way to move on if Toney doesn't perform well at camp.
With players like undrafted WR Nikko Remigio turning heads at summer workouts, Toney's days with the organization could be limited.
Chiefs Insider Floats Possibility of Kadarius Toney Trade
Brett Veach and the coaching staff speak highly of 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," writes Taylor. "Beyond needing to stay healthy, Toney must continue to rebuild his connection and chemistry with Mahomes while also showing he can be one of the top targets for backup quarterback Carson Wentz in the preseason.
An argument can be made that Toney is still the Chiefs’ most talented receiver...Toney, though, needs to demonstrate consistency in camp and the preseason to secure his roster spot."
Consistency has been Toney's biggest problem throughout his career. He'll break a few tackles or even set a Super Bowl record for the longest punt return on one play, then drop an easy pass on the next. It doesn't matter how high his ceiling 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 continues. "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."
The best version of this roster, in my opinion, still includes a healthy, productive Toney. He has a rare skillset and if he can find consistency, the Chiefs' offense could reach a new level.
That's a big "if" though, so it's understandable the team would consider other options. How Toney performs will be one of the biggest storylines in St. Joseph, and guys like Remigio will be fully focused on taking advantage of any mistake Toney makes.
