Wide receiver Kadarius Toney’s Chiefs tenure ended with a whimper earlier this week as he was placed on waivers. Yet, this conclusion hasn’t shaken General Manager Brett Veach’s resolve or altered his perspective about bringing Toney to Kansas City.
A High-Stakes Game of Ups and Downs
Veach traded third- and sixth-round picks to the Giants for Toney in the 2022 season, and Toney suited up for 23 games. His time with the Chiefs was a roller-coaster ride — he missed games due to injuries, dropped key passes, and even committed a crucial offside penalty that led to him being benched in the final stretch of last season. But here’s the twist – Toney also delivered vital performances with a spectacular punt return and a touchdown catch that contributed to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVI triumph. That’s precisely why Veach affirmed he’d “do it all over again in a heartbeat.”
The Roller Coaster Ride: Highs and Lows
Veach acknowledged that he’s “certainly disappointed” things didn’t pan out better overall and remarked on how some of the injury issues were just plain bad luck. He believes it’s up to Toney to improve his future NFL prospects by taking care of his body and tightening up his offseason regimen.
“If he’s able to tighten up some of the offseason stuff and get his body [right], I think he’ll go out there and make a ton of plays for another team,” Veach said, reflecting on the young wideout’s potential. “I think it goes both ways. I’m certain that he has aspects he’d handle differently regarding offseason preparations and taking care of his body. I think it’s a process. He’s a really smart kid, and I believe he’ll figure it out.”
What’s Next for Toney?
Toney cleared waivers, which means he’s now free to ink a deal with any team daring enough to wager on him for the third time to be the charm. The 2021 first-rounder has more chapters left in his NFL story, and it’s up to him to pen the next riveting sections.
The Unwritten Future: Will the Gamble Pay Off?
Will Toney rise from the ashes of his brief but eventful stint with the Chiefs and seize his chance with a new team? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the NFL is a game of calculated risks, and Toney is a bet that could still pay off handsomely.
Chiefs fans may have mixed memories of Toney’s tenure, but if there’s one thing they can agree on, it’s that football is an unpredictable beast, full of twists and turns, miracles, and misfortunes. With Veach’s passionate endorsement and a bit of fortune on his side, Toney might just become the roaring comeback story everyone’s rooting for.
