Kadarius

Toney

He muffed a punt in last week’s game that apparently sealed his fate. Toney will probably continue to get back-of-roster chances, but it’s clear the NFL doesn’t think much of him at this point.

Toney, who signed with the Browns in September, will be active for the first time in 2024 against New Orleans. He could see some usage on special teams as a returner along with a limited number of pass routes in the pass-first Browns offense. He should remain on waiver wires for now.

Toney also took a visit with the Seahawks but ultimately inked a deal with the Browns ahead of Week 2. It is unclear what kind of workload to expect from Toney in Cleveland considering their current depth chart, with the enigmatic receiver likely entering the kick return discussion as well as unique packages on offense. He can safely remain on the waiver wire in fantasy leagues.

Toney was cut by the Chiefs as they got down to their 53-man roster. The Seahawks hosted him for a visit last week but nothing has materialized from the meeting. The Browns have made various efforts to add depth to their receiving room via the draft and the trade market in recent seasons. Jerry Jeudy is locked in as their No. 2 receiver but Toney could be a part-time third receiver if he signs in Cleveland. Toney could also find a new home later in the season once injuries start to take their toll on rosters.

Released by the Chiefs last month, Toney had a free agent visit with the Seahawks on Tuesday. He left Seattle without signing a contract and will reportedly consider other teams that might be interested in the mercurial, oft-injured wideout. That Toney has options is a curious turn after his utterly disastrous run with the Chiefs, in which he made several costly errors and accused Andy Reid of lying about his injury status. Toney, 25, won’t be prominently featured wherever he goes.

Toney was let go by the Chiefs after a disappointing stint that also gave him two Super Bowl rings. Initially drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Giants, Toney has tallied 82 receptions for 760 yards and three touchdowns, adding 21 carries for 119 yards and one touchdown over his three-year career. Between injuries and general offensive struggles, Toney is now looking for a fresh start. The Seahawks hosted him for a visit Tuesday and could look to add him for depth. Toney could be used as a gadget receiver in motion for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s offense if he does indeed sign in Seattle.

Toney will need to clear waivers after being let go by the Chiefs. After totaling 39 catches for 420 yards as a rookie with the Giants in 2021, Toney found himself on the way midway through the 2022 season and has totaled a meager 43 receptions for 340 yards and three touchdowns in the last two seasons. Injuries have slowed Toney’s career, as he’s appeared in just 32 of a possible 51 regular-season games since entering the league. We’ll see which team is desperate enough for help to bring on Toney in the coming days, as the talent should still entice several teams.

Toney led Chiefs wide receivers with 2.00 yards per route run but his deployment while the starters rested is likely a net negative. Toney added a 16-yard punt return to the box score. He is not a recommended dart throw at this time.

Toney was seen limping off the practice field Wednesday and kneeling on the sideline before leaving the field and not returning. The mercurial wideout, who has seen backfield usage during training camp, has struggled with a laundry list of injuries over his three NFL seasons, most of them soft tissue-related ailments. If he misses an extended portion of camp, his roster spot is not guaranteed.

We’re only one week into camp, but we’re already hearing plenty of camp rumors about Toney’s usage. It was reported earlier in the week that Toney was taking snaps out of the backfield, and now we have reports of him seeing significant reps with the starters. We are still early into camp, and the Chiefs have a deep receiving corps with Rashee Rice, Marquise Brown, and Xavier Worthy in tow. While the Toney news feels notable, he remains a difficult player to project for fantasy until we get a clearer understanding of his usage. With that said, he’s starting to sound like an enticing late-round flyer in best ball leagues.