The Washington Commanders released several wide receivers on cutdown day, but “playmaker” Kadarius Toney, waived by the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, is still a suitable fit for the team.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport verified Toney’s dismissal on Tuesday, August 27. According to Rapoport, the former first-round choice of the New York Giants will “have a market elsewhere. The talented playmaker’s story isn’t done yet.”
That’s wonderful news for the Commanders, who had been mentioned by Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon as a potential replacement for Toney. According to Kenyon, “the Commanders need some juice after just trading away Jahan Dotson.”
It’s a compelling argument, but Toney could do more than just assist the Commanders at receiver. He also has running back talents and a knack for making big plays in the return game.
The Commanders require assistance in both areas. Especially after they eliminated a versatile wideout who was intended to be used in a variety of ways.
Toney poses a danger because he has battled to remain healthy and get along since being taken 20th overall in the 2021 NFL draft. However, he is a Super Bowl winner with a wide skill set that would benefit Washington offensive coach Kliff Kingsbury.
Kadarius Toney’s Checkered History Tough to ignore.
Toney was unable to play for the Giants and struggled to prevent blunders while with the Chiefs last season. ESPN’s Adam Teicher outlined the errors: “Twice he deflected what appeared to be easily catchable balls to defenders for interceptions. Toney also appeared to score the winning touchdown after taking a lateral from Travis Kelce late in a Week 14 game against the Buffalo Bills, but the play was called back because Toney was offside, and the Chiefs lost the game.
Toney’s on-field mistakes continued this preseason, as he committed two penalties on one play against the Detroit Lions in week two. Nate Taylor of The Athletic explained the infractions: “Kadarius Toney committed two penalties on his first preseason snap.” Toney covered Irv Smith Jr. (unless Irv lined up awkwardly) and committed a holding violation while attempting to block Khalil Dorsey on the perimeter for Deneric Prince.
The Chiefs did not expect to receive many gaffes when they dealt a third-round choice to the Giants for Toney in 2022. Although Toney helped Kansas City win the Lombardi Trophy that season, his subsequent sniping at the Giants and their fans was never a good look.
As if that wasn’t enough, Toney has serious durability issues. He has missed multiple games due to ankle, shoulder, hamstring, and hip problems.
The reasons not to sign Toney are numerous, but his clear upside justifies the Commanders taking a chance.
Commanders should take risks.
Predicting what Toney would do is not an easy feat. As Kenyon put it, “On the one hand, he’s electric with the ball in his hands and has played well in the league. On the other hand, where does someone go if they are unable to flourish with the Kansas City Chiefs?
The Commanders should find out after dismissing six receivers on cutdown day, according to Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan. Kazmeir Allen, who had been assigned to a dual-threat role similar to that of San Francisco 49ers All-Pro Deebo Samuel, was one of those shown the exit door.
Allen was followed by Martavis Bryant, who was hoping to return to the professionals. Those trades leave the Commanders short at wideout, so Toney could play a role.
He may also be valuable in filling the position Kingsbury desired Allen to play. Toney has lots of backfield experience and was working with running backs at Chiefs training camp this year, according to PJ Green of Fox4 News Kansas City.
The opportunity to cover two offensive roles isn’t the only compelling reason for the Commanders to pursue Toney. His skills as a returner would also benefit a special teams unit that needed a lift.
Toney’s elusiveness and breakaway speed in the kicking game contributed significantly to the Chiefs’ victory over the Eagles in the 2023 Super Bowl.
There’s enough motivation for the Commanders to give Toney one more chance to play up to his first-round hype and realize his full potential.
Leave a Reply