**Kansas City Chiefs Urged to Make Tough Roster Decision: Kadarius Toney’s Future in Question Following Disappointing Preseason**
**By Robin M Adams | August 23, 2024**
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for the 2024 NFL regular season, difficult decisions loom over the team’s roster. The conclusion of the preseason has brought the Chiefs to a critical juncture: trimming their roster to the final 53 players. While some players have cemented their roles, others find themselves on the bubble, unsure of their future with the team. One such player is wide receiver Kadarius Toney, whose lackluster preseason performance has sparked debate about whether he should remain with the Chiefs.
### The Wide Receiver Dilemma
The wide receiver position is a focal point of the Chiefs’ roster decisions this year. The team has made significant investments in this area, both in free agency and the NFL Draft, yet concerns persist regarding the depth and quality of the group. The addition of high-profile players and promising rookies has intensified the competition, leaving some veterans vulnerable to being cut.
One of the most notable acquisitions for the Chiefs this offseason was veteran wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. Brown joined the Chiefs after a solid season with the Arizona Cardinals, where he recorded 51 receptions for 574 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games. Despite a recent shoulder injury that sidelined him for a few weeks, Brown is expected to be a key contributor once he fully recovers.
In addition to Brown, the Chiefs made a bold move by selecting wide receiver Xavier Worthy from the University of Texas with the 28th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Worthy, known for his explosive playmaking abilities, had an impressive college career, with his best season coming in 2023 when he tallied 75 receptions for 1,014 yards and five touchdowns. His arrival adds another dynamic weapon to the Chiefs’ offensive arsenal.
However, these additions have also created a crowded wide receiver room, forcing the Chiefs to make tough choices. While Brown and Worthy are likely to play pivotal roles in the upcoming season, Kadarius Toney’s future with the team appears increasingly uncertain.
### Kadarius Toney: A Career of Unfulfilled Potential
Kadarius Toney’s NFL journey has been marked by unfulfilled potential and frustration. Selected by the New York Giants with the 20th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Toney was expected to emerge as a dynamic playmaker in the league. However, his time with the Giants was marred by inconsistency and injuries, preventing him from reaching his full potential.
In his rookie season with the Giants, Toney managed 39 receptions for 420 yards but failed to find the end zone. Despite his struggles, there were glimpses of the explosive talent that made him a first-round pick. Unfortunately, those flashes were few and far between, and Toney’s tenure with the Giants ended after just two seasons when he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.
Hopes were high that a change of scenery would rejuvenate Toney’s career, but his performance in Kansas City has been underwhelming. In 2023, Toney recorded just 27 receptions for 169 yards and a single touchdown. His inability to make a significant impact on the field has led to increasing doubts about his place on the team.
### The Preseason Struggles
As the 2024 preseason unfolded, Kadarius Toney faced mounting pressure to prove himself worthy of a roster spot. However, his performance during training camp and preseason games did little to inspire confidence. The Chiefs’ coaching staff listed Toney last on the depth chart at wide receiver, a clear indication that he was on the outside looking in.
David Kenyon of Bleacher Report weighed in on Toney’s precarious position, writing, “Truly, it feels like piling on. After several costly mistakes last season, Kadarius Toney headed into the offseason with an uncertain future. And then, the Chiefs signed Marquise Brown and drafted Xavier Worthy. Even as KC might put seven receivers on its opening roster again, Toney is probably the eighth wideout on the depth chart.”
Kenyon’s assessment reflects the harsh reality facing Toney. Despite his natural talent and the high expectations that accompanied his draft selection, Toney has struggled to find his footing in the NFL. With cutdown day rapidly approaching, his chances of making the final roster appear slim.
### The Impact of Potential Roster Moves
If the Chiefs decide to part ways with Kadarius Toney, it will mark a significant moment in his career. The decision to release a former first-round pick is never taken lightly, and it would serve as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the NFL. For Toney, it would mean starting over once again, potentially with a new team that might be willing to take a chance on his untapped potential.
For the Chiefs, releasing Toney would allow them to solidify their wide receiver group with players who have shown more consistency and reliability. The team is focused on surrounding quarterback Patrick Mahomes with the best possible supporting cast, and difficult decisions like these are part of that process.
### What’s Next for Kadarius Toney?
Should Kadarius Toney find himself cut from the Chiefs’ roster, the big question is where he might land next. While his NFL career has been disappointing so far, there may still be teams willing to take a chance on a player with his athleticism and potential. Toney’s situation is reminiscent of other high-draft picks who struggled early in their careers but found success with a fresh start in a new environment.
However, Toney will need to demonstrate that he can stay healthy and make a positive impact on the field if he wants to extend his NFL career. His next opportunity, if it comes, may be his last chance to prove that he belongs in the league.
### Conclusion
The Kansas City Chiefs face a difficult decision as they finalize their roster for the 2024 NFL season. The wide receiver position, in particular, presents a challenging dilemma, with Kadarius Toney’s future hanging in the balance. Despite his status as a former first-round pick, Toney’s struggles have placed him on the brink of being cut from the team.
As the Chiefs move forward, they must weigh the potential of Toney against the need for consistency and production at the wide receiver position. Whether Toney remains with the Chiefs or begins a new chapter elsewhere, his story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional football and the fine line between success and disappointment.
For Kadarius Toney, the next few days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of his NFL career. The Chiefs, meanwhile, continue their quest to build a roster capable of contending for another Super Bowl title, knowing that tough decisions are necessary to achieve their ultimate goal.
