WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In a surprising move, the Washington Commanders have released defensive end Shaka Toney after his recent reinstatement by the NFL. Toney had served a one-year suspension for violating the league's policy on gambling. While he was one of the five players to be reinstated, he was the only one still on a roster.

Suspension and Reinstatement

Toney's suspension began on April 21, 2023, and he had been serving it until his recent reinstatement. The NFL's policy strictly prohibits players, coaches, team officials, and league personnel from betting on NFL games or placing bets while at team facilities or team hotels. It also forbids others from placing bets on their behalf.

The Decision to Release

Despite Toney's reinstatement, the Washington Commanders made the decision to release him from the team. The organization had signed three defensive ends in free agency, re-signed another, and had two promising second-year ends on their roster. Furthermore, the team had expressed interest in drafting an edge rusher, possibly in the upcoming draft. With new ownership, a new general manager, and a new coach who were not involved in Toney's selection, the team deemed him expendable.

Toney's Career with Washington

Shaka Toney, a former college football standout at Penn State, was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. During his two seasons with the team, he played in 26 games, started one, recorded 1.5 sacks, and made 16 tackles. Despite his potential, Toney's suspension and the team's depth at the position ultimately led to his release.

Other Reinstated Players

Alongside Toney, four other players were reinstated by the NFL. They include outside linebacker Rashod Berry, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, safety C.J. Moore, and defensive tackle Demetrius Taylor. These players will now have an opportunity to continue their careers in the league.

Looking Ahead

With the departure of Shaka Toney, the Washington Commanders will need to reassess their defensive end position. Their offseason acquisitions and potential draft picks will play a crucial role in shaping the team's future on the field. Meanwhile, Toney will have to explore other opportunities to continue his professional football career after his suspension and subsequent release.

As the NFL continues to uphold its policies and enforce disciplinary actions, players and teams alike must navigate the consequences of their actions and make decisions that they believe are in the best interest of their organizations.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In a surprising move, the Washington Commanders have released defensive end Shaka Toney after his recent reinstatement by the NFL. Toney had served a one-year suspension for violating the league's policy on gambling. While he was one of the five players to be reinstated, he was the only one still on a roster.

Suspension and Reinstatement

Toney's suspension began on April 21, 2023, and he had been serving it until his recent reinstatement. The NFL's policy strictly prohibits players, coaches, team officials, and league personnel from betting on NFL games or placing bets while at team facilities or team hotels. It also forbids others from placing bets on their behalf.

The Decision to Release

Despite Toney's reinstatement, the Washington Commanders made the decision to release him from the team. The organization had signed three defensive ends in free agency, re-signed another, and had two promising second-year ends on their roster. Furthermore, the team had expressed interest in drafting an edge rusher, possibly in the upcoming draft. With new ownership, a new general manager, and a new coach who were not involved in Toney's selection, the team deemed him expendable.

Toney's Career with Washington

Shaka Toney, a former college football standout at Penn State, was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. During his two seasons with the team, he played in 26 games, started one, recorded 1.5 sacks, and made 16 tackles. Despite his potential, Toney's suspension and the team's depth at the position ultimately led to his release.

Other Reinstated Players

Alongside Toney, four other players were reinstated by the NFL. They include outside linebacker Rashod Berry, wide receiver Quintez Cephus, safety C.J. Moore, and defensive tackle Demetrius Taylor. These players will now have an opportunity to continue their careers in the league.

Looking Ahead

With the departure of Shaka Toney, the Washington Commanders will need to reassess their defensive end position. Their offseason acquisitions and potential draft picks will play a crucial role in shaping the team's future on the field. Meanwhile, Toney will have to explore other opportunities to continue his professional football career after his suspension and subsequent release.

As the NFL continues to uphold its policies and enforce disciplinary actions, players and teams alike must navigate the consequences of their actions and make decisions that they believe are in the best interest of their organizations.