Chiefs GM explains why he would let Kadarius Toney be traded to the Giants again if he had the chance
After his first full season with the franchise, the Kansas City Chiefs decided to release wide receiver Kadarius Toney. In 2022, the Chiefs sent a third-round pick and a sixth-round pick to the New York Giants for their former No. 20 overall selection, but he caught just 41 passes for 340 yards and three touchdowns in 20 games played for the Chiefs.
Speaking to reporters this week, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said he would “trade Toney again.” Why? Because Toney was a key part of Kansas City’s Super Bowl LVII win.
“I don’t think we’re sitting here for a third Super Bowl in a row [championship] “It would have been a bigger deal if we hadn’t made that trade,” Veach said, via ESPN.
Early in the fourth quarter of the championship matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, Tony caught a 5-yard touchdown pass, putting the Chiefs ahead. After the Eagles went three-and-out, Tony tied the Super Bowl record for longest punt return with a 65-yard play that set up another Kansas City touchdown. The 14-point swing helped the Chiefs eventually emerge victorious.
Injuries and drops played a major role in Toney’s departure from the team. Veach says that if he can take care of his body going forward, he will be a major contributor for another franchise. After all, Toney is only 25 years old.
“Sometimes you can turn bad luck into good luck by doing a few little things in the offseason.” [to] Take care of your body,” Veach said. “I think he’s working on the process. It’s certainly not for lack of talent. … If he’s able to fix some things in the offseason and get his body right [right]I think he’ll go out there and play a lot of games for another team.
“I think it goes both ways. I’m sure there’s going to be some things he’ll do differently in regards to the offseason and stuff and taking care of his body. I think it’s a process. He’s a really smart kid and I think he’ll figure it out. … It’s been really fun to be around him, and I just hope for the kid that he gets some good luck on his side and stays healthy.”
