Kadarius Toney did not play for the Kansas City Chiefs during their win over the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. He was a healthy scratch after a tumultuous drama-filled saga down the final stretch of the season.
Despite everything that went on last year, his role on the team may be even more important in the fall.
Kansas City will likely be without Rashee Rice for a good chunk of next season as legal woes continue to grow following his car crash. A suspension is imminent. It is just a matter of how long.
As a result, Toney is going to be WR2. Marquise Brown, who signed with the Chiefs during the offseason, will be Patrick Mahomes’ best weapon. From there, it is Skyy Moore and Justin Watson as WR3 and WR4.
This is where things get interesting.
Toney, the No. 20 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was traded from New York to Kansas City during the 2022 season. He made a few big plays for the Chiefs that year, including a 65-yard punt return that led to a touchdown in Super Bowl LVII. 2023 was not the same.
A meniscus injury hindered Toney throughout the entire season and he caught just 27 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown in 13 games. Drops were a big problem. It was an overwhelming disaster.
Despite all of the glaring issues with Toney, Brett Veach has the utmost confidence in his ability to perform. Kansas City’s general manager offered a bold assessment of the controversial pass-catcher.
He is probably our most talented wideout now. It doesn’t do anyone any good unless you stay healthy. But the kid has always worked hard here for us and I know he’s been down there with Pat and I think it’s a matter of him staying healthy and I think if he can do that, he can really do a lot of great things in this offense.
People around the building like him and it’s the injury bug and hopefully he gets some luck on his side and he can stay healthy and be the player that he was in Florida and the player that we’ve seen in spurts here.
— Brett Veach, via ESPN
Obviously, Veach is not going to speak down on one of his own. And there is some truth to what he is saying about Kadarius Toney’s potential.
However, to claim that he is the best receiver on the roster when (soon-to-be-suspended) Rice and Brown exist is rather brave. Maybe Veach is right! Time will tell.