Ex Giants' First-Round Pick Kadarius Toney Cut By Chiefs

Not that long ago, the New York Giants thought as highly of Kadarius Toney as a playmaking receiver as they do Malik Nabers.

But the former first-round pick has quickly deteriorated into a free agent afterthought, first trade by the Giants in 2022 and on Tuesday cut by the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

In New York, Toney lasted only 12 games. In Kansas City, just 20.

He was the 20th overall pick three years ago as a quick, strong, athletic game-changer out of Florida. But after signing a four-year contract worth $14 million per season, Toney never delivered for the Giants.

Even in his best game - breaking Odell Beckham Jr.'s rookie record with 10 catches and 189 against the Dallas Cowboys - he was ejected for throwing a punch at a Cowboys' defensive player. As a rookie he twice got COVID and missed another four games with an injury.

In 2022 he missed five more games with injury before New York traded him to the Chiefs for two draft picks: a third- and a sixth-rounder.

It was more of the same for Toney with the Chiefs, mixing flashes of jaw-dropping brilliance with erratic behavior. He battled injuries and had disputes with the coaching staff, causing him to get benched on multiple occasions.

In 20 games for the Chiefs he produced only 41 catches for 340 yards and three touchdowns in K.C.

In 20 for the Giants, he had 41 catches for 420 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Toney did win two Super Bowl rings and set a record for the longest punt return in Super Bowl history with a 65-yarder in LVII.

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His signature play with the Chiefs will be lining up offsides to cost them - and Travis Kelce - one of the all-time greatest touchdowns in NFL history. The penalty negated a clever 49-yard touchdown - on a cross-field lateral from Kelce to Toney - in a December loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Having now flamed out with the Giants and Chiefs, he becomes a free agent.