Kadarius Toney’s tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs has come to an end, but the team’s decision-makers have no regrets. Two days after the Chiefs waived Toney, a former first-round draft pick, ahead of the NFL roster deadline, general manager Brett Veach expressed his confidence in the decision.
“I don’t think we’re sitting here going for a third straight Super Bowl had we not made that trade. So, from that standpoint, we’d do it all over again in a heartbeat,” Veach told reporters, reflecting on the trade that brought Toney to Kansas City during the 2022-23 season, told ESPN.
The Chiefs had acquired Toney from the New York Giants in exchange for third- and sixth-round draft picks. At the time, Toney was seen as a player with immense potential but a history of inconsistency, particularly concerning his health. Throughout his time with the Chiefs, Toney’s role fluctuated between being a “gadget player” and a “depth wide receiver.” He recorded 171 receiving yards and three total touchdowns over seven games, with his most notable contribution coming in the form of a record punt return touchdown in the Super Bowl.
Despite flashes of brilliance, Toney never developed into the WR1 the Chiefs hoped for after trading Tyreek Hill. His performance was often marked by missed opportunities and minor miscues. With the arrival of new wide receivers such as Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy, and Juju Smith-Schuster in the offseason, Toney’s place on the team became increasingly uncertain.
Reflecting on Toney’s departure, Veach acknowledged the disappointment of not fully unlocking Toney’s potential. “It’s always disappointing when a player’s tenure comes to an end in that situation… When you have to move on from a player and the finished product, untapping that talent wasn’t realized, there’s a disappointment,” Veach admitted. He also speculated that Toney might have some regrets about how he handled certain aspects of his career, particularly in the offseason and maintaining his physical condition.
Despite the outcome, Veach had kind words for Toney, calling him a “really smart kid” and someone who was “a lot of fun to be around.” He wished Toney well and expressed confidence that he could find success with another team.
The Chiefs, riding the high of back-to-back Super Bowl victories, are unlikely to dwell on this decision for long. As Veach noted, Toney’s contributions, including a Super Bowl touchdown, were significant, and the team is focused on moving forward without regrets.