Kadarius Toney's NFL journey has been marked by a blend of brilliance and inconsistency over his three-year career. Starting with the New York Giants, Toney’s rookie season offered glimpses of his potential, most notably in a pair of standout games where he recorded a 6-catch performance for 78 yards followed by an astonishing 10-catch game for 189 yards. However, these moments of promise were marred by recurring injuries and mental lapses that hindered his ability to maintain momentum.
The initial stages of Toney's career in New York saw him being used sparingly. Despite flashes of his talent, injuries soon took a toll, forcing Toney to the sidelines and disrupting his development. After a year and a half with the Giants, Toney was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for third- and sixth-round picks. This move marked a new chapter, but the challenges persisted.
A Fresh Start with the Chiefs
Since joining the Chiefs, Toney has participated in 20 out of 31 regular-season and postseason games. While his playtime has been inconsistent, he made a significant mark in Super Bowl LVII with an impactful punt return and a crucial touchdown catch, showcasing his playmaking abilities on the biggest stage.
Yet, the inconsistency has continued. In the first week of the last season against the Lions, Toney dropped several passes. Additionally, he negated his own game-winning touchdown against the Bills with an offsides penalty, highlighting the ongoing struggle with mental mistakes.
Role Expansion and Training Camp
The Chiefs remain committed to integrating Toney more into their offensive scheme. During training camp, he has participated in running back drills, indicating a potential dual-threat role. Throughout his NFL career, Toney has lined up in the backfield 25 times and carried the ball 21 times for 119 yards and a touchdown.
Despite his promise as a rusher, Toney's rushing attempts last season yielded just 31 yards on 11 carries, with only two resulting in first downs. This underwhelming performance underscores the need for more consistency if he is to successfully transition into a multifaceted offensive weapon for the Chiefs.
College Roots and Versatility
Toney's versatility dates back to his college days, where he was utilized as a running back or option quarterback 67 times. His dynamic skill set made him a valuable asset then, and the Chiefs are hoping to tap into that potential more effectively moving forward.
The journey of Kadarius Toney in the NFL continues to be one of potential and pitfalls, with moments that tease greatness offset by periods of underperformance. With the Chiefs' commitment to leveraging his versatility and the new opportunities emerging in their offensive playbook, the upcoming seasons will be crucial for Toney to establish himself as a reliable and dynamic force on the field. His story is far from complete, and both fans and analysts will be keenly watching to see if he can finally overcome the hurdles that have defined his early career. As the Chiefs look to maximize their investment, the all-around improvement and consistency of Toney will be vital for their offensive success.