Chiefs HC Andy Reid discusses roster outlook for former first-round receiver

It was just three years ago that wide receiver Kadarius Toney was selected by the New York Giants with the 20th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Now, the 25-year-old is fighting just to make the Kansas City Chiefs roster.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid discussed Toney's chances of surviving the team's upcoming final cuts following their 34-21 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.

"We went through last year with him, so we kind of know what he is," Reid said . "He’s a talented kid. He’s in a battle to make the team and all that bit, but we’ve never questioned the talent there at all. Him staying healthy was the main thing."

Kansas City's leader sat most of the team's starters for the final preseason tilt, giving the Florida product a chance to play with the backups. Toney finished the contest having played 17 snaps while recording two catches for 26 yards on three targets, plus a 16-yard punt return.

The Mobile, Alabama, native was buried on the team's initial unofficial depth chart that was released in early August, listed as a fifth-string receiver. Toney was listed behind the likes of free-agent signee Marquise Brown, rookie first-round pick Xavier Worthy, 2023 breakout rookie Rashee Rice and 2018 fifth-round pick Justin Watson. (It shouldbe noted that Brown suffered a shoulder injury during the team's first preseason game that could keep him out of action into September and Rice is still potentially facing multiple legal issues.)

Toney was traded to the Chiefs in October 2022 and was crucial in the team's run to a championship that winter, posting six punt returns for 112 yards in the playoffs. That included a clutch 65-yarder during the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles to help set up a go-ahead touchdown. He added a five-yard touchdown reception in the victory.

Toney's 2023 season was filled with drops and mental mistakes, however, which led to him being inactive for the final seven games of the campaign, including all four Chiefs playoff tilts on their way to a second consecutive title.