The trade for Kadarius Toney left many people worried about how the speedster from Florida would fit into the Chiefs’ offensive system. But he has fit in perfectly if his first two games weren’t enough proof.
Kadarius Toney was traded from the New York Giants to the Kansas City Chiefs during the bye week and had to find a role in the Chiefs’ offense fast. Toney was seen as a great prospect out of the University of Florida, he had earned All-Conference and All-American honors in his redshirt sophomore season. He was drafted 20th overall by the New York Giants in the 2021 NFL Draft, he was seen as a possible steal at 20, but Toney couldn’t stay healthy.
Toney had a lot of issues staying healthy in New York, only playing in 14 games in two seasons in New York. He was listed as “out” for five straight games in New York before he was traded to the Chiefs. And a lot of people were worried about how fast he’d play for Kansas City, and after he passed his physical, Head Coach Andy Reid made it be known they had some plays ready for the new acquisition.
“He’s done a good job (in practice). I appreciate his effort. He’s a fast learner,” Reid said. “We’ll see. We’ve got a couple of things in for him, but let’s just see — see what happens.”
The Chiefs have Toney through at least the 2024 season, and possibly through 2025, thanks to the receiver’s rookie contract. So, this is a very good deal for the Chiefs, he’s going to be cheap and his play style fits in with the Chiefs.
When asked what he could bring to this already crowded Chiefs’ offense after the Titans game, he answered: “Really just dynamic ability,” Toney said. “I really don’t like to brag or talk about myself. I’d rather just play. I don’t need to do all that.” But most importantly, he is already a part of the team, blocking to protect his quarterback, and that is what we want to see out there. The 6-foot, 193-pound Toney had a physical block on Titans DE Bud Dupree, becoming a meme on Twitter.
During the Titans game, Kadarius Toney played only nine snaps in the Chiefs’ overtime win and had two receptions for 14 yards. But last week against the Jaguars, his number of snaps increased by a large margin and he showed everyone what he could bring to the offense.
Toney caught four passes for 57 yards and a touchdown, and when he scored he mocked the Giants by hopping into the endzone on one leg, where his bad hamstring was. He also ran the ball two times for 33 yards and returned punts for the Chiefs, he brought a lot of new wrinkles to the offense. Toney seems to be the Tyreek Hill replacement Chiefs fans have wanted since the Chiefs traded the speedster in the offseason.
Well, needless to say, he surely does not know the playbook yet, given that Andy Reid’s playbook is known as one of the most complicated in the league, but the fact he has found ways to make plays is impressive. The chemistry with Patrick Mahomes will only get better at this point, and with JuJu, MVS, Hardman, and Kelce getting him acclimated, this might be the acquisition that takes the Chiefs over the top.
And he already impressed the best tight end in football, “I mean, that guy is an absolute beast with the ball in his hands,” said Travis Kelce on the “New Heights” podcast he co-hosts with his brother, Eagles’ Center Jason Kelce.
With the co-sign of his teammates, watch for Toney to continue to step up his play as the Chiefs head toward the home stretch of the season.
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