Posted on May 03
Chiefs decline fifth-year option on Kadarius Toney's contract for 2025 season
u/alex •
KANSAS CITY, MO -- In a surprising move, the Kansas City Chiefs have decided not to exercise the fifth-year option on wide receiver Kadarius Toney's contract for the 2025 season. The decision comes after Toney had a disappointing 2023 campaign, marked by injuries and limited production.
Toney, originally drafted by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, was later traded to the Chiefs. General manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid expressed their belief in Toney, indicating that he was part of the team's plans for the upcoming season. However, his performance fell short of expectations.
The 2023 season proved to be a challenging one for Toney. He suffered a torn meniscus during training camp, causing him to miss the remainder of camp. Although he returned for the season opener, his impact was marred by a key deflection that resulted in a touchdown for the opposing team.
Throughout the season, Toney battled with various injuries, appearing on the injury report for 19 out of 21 games, including the postseason. In the limited playing time he had, he recorded just 27 catches for 169 yards and a lone touchdown.
Not only did Toney struggle to stay healthy, but he also made costly plays that affected the outcome of games. One notable example was a penalty for being offside that nullified a potential winning touchdown. Additionally, his deflection led to an interception, further amplifying his struggles on the field.
The Chiefs' decision to decline Toney's fifth-year option is further emphasized by their offseason moves. They acquired wide receiver Marquise Brown in free agency and selected Xavier Worthy as their first-round draft pick. These additions bring increased competition to the wide receiver position, making Toney's future with the team uncertain.
While declining Toney's fifth-year option may raise questions about his standing with the Chiefs, it is important to note that this decision does not necessarily mean the end of his tenure in Kansas City. The Chiefs have expressed their belief in Toney's abilities, and he will have the opportunity to prove himself in the upcoming season.
As the Chiefs head into the 2025 season, they will rely on their depth at the wide receiver position, including the newly acquired Marquise Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy. The competition for playing time will be fierce, and Toney will need to demonstrate his value and overcome his injury struggles to secure a significant role within the team.
The decision to decline Toney's fifth-year option serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the NFL and the constant pursuit of improvement. Only time will tell how Toney will respond to this setback and whether he can regain his form to contribute to the success of the Chiefs' offense.