NFL Rumors: Chiefs Decline Kadarius Toney's $14.4M 5th-Year Contract Option

The Kansas City Chiefs have declined to pick up their fifth-year option on wide receiver Kadarius Toney's rookie contract, making him a free agent after the 2024 campaign, according to ESPN's Adam Teicher.

Toney's fifth-year option was projected to be worth $14.4 million, according to OverTheCap.

The New York Giants selected Toney with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. He caught 39 passes for 420 yards in 10 games, sitting out seven contests due to injury.

A new regime led by general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll joined the Giants in 2022. Toney fell out of favor under Daboll and didn't receive much playing time, to the point where he caught two passes for zero yards before he was traded to the Chiefs in October.

Toney didn't do all that much for the Chiefs during the regular season, amassing 230 yards and three touchdowns in seven games.

However, he'll forever be remembered for two big plays during Super Bowl LVII: a five-yard touchdown catch to help give the Chiefs a 28-27 lead and a 65-yard punt return to set up a Skyy Moore TD. Kansas City beat the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35.

That set up hope for Toney in 2023, especially with the Chiefs entering the year with major question marks at the position. However, Toney endured a disappointing third season, catching just 27 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown in 13 games.

His 2023 season was first remembered for numerous blunders, including a dropped pass leading to a Brian Branch pick-six in a 21-20 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 1. He also lined up offside to negate a miracle potential game-winning touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in which he caught a lateral from teammate Travis Kelce. That was wiped out, and the Chiefs lost 20-17.

But then a bizarre situation ensued in the playoffs.

Toney missed the final three regular-season games and the first two playoff matchups with what the team designated as hip and ankle injuries.

He was then inactive for injuries/personal reasons for the AFC Championship Game versus the Baltimore Ravens. The personal reasons were related to him welcoming his first child, a baby girl.

Regarding the ailments, Toney took to Instagram Live and said he wasn't hurt.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters during a Jan. 30 Zoom call that Toney was in fact hurt.

"Well, obviously he's been on the injury report. That part is not made up by any means," Reid said. "He's been working through some things and he'll be back out there."

Toney then said on Super Bowl Opening Night on NFL Network (h/t ESPN.com) that his IG Live comments were actually directed at New York Giants fans, who he's had a bit of a history with since the trade.

"I never attacked the Chiefs, never said anything about the Chiefs. Who I was referring to was the Giants fans and the people in my comments, my comment box, not even on my live recording, so you wouldn't even know they were there. But I was referring to them, which I shouldn't have. I just wanted to go out there. I just wanted to get my message across as far as my injury, but I shouldn't have did that at the end of the day. I'm a man and I can accept my mistakes just like I accept my wins. I'm just moving past that right now. We're trying to go out and trying to win [the Super Bowl]."

Toney ended up being inactive for the Super Bowl, which the Chiefs won 25-22 in overtime.

Ultimately, it's feast or famine with Toney when he hits the field. He's capable of showing up on the NFL's biggest stage, and the Chiefs love his talent, to the point where general manager Brett Veach told reporters in April that Toney was "probably our most talented wideout right now." But he's also struggled mightily at times as well.

In the end, Kansas City decided against picking up his option, and now Toney's days with the Chiefs could be numbered.