Chiefs prepare to move on from one of Patrick Mahomes’ offensive weapons with $14.4 million contract decision

TWO Super Bowl rings may not be enough to save the job of one of the Kansas City Chiefs wideouts.

The writing appears to be on the wall for soon-to-be fourth-year receiver and former first-round draft pick Kadarius Toney, 25.

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Having been left off their active roster during the 2023 postseason, including Kansas City’s Super Bowl LVIII victory against the San Francisco 49ers, the team recently declined his fifth-year option.

That option would have cost the team $14.4 million in 2025.

As such, Toney will become a free agent after the 2024 season if he plays out the remaining year of his rookie contract.

Whether or not he will make it that far as a member of the Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, remains to be seen.

After being listed as inactive for the playoffs due to injury, Toney took to Instagram on the day of the AFC Championship to react to the suggestion that he was injured.

“I’m not hurt,” he repeatedly stated during his expletive-filled appearance, according to the New York Post Office.

Fast forward to Super Bowl week, Toney retracted his comments about NFL Network.

“I never attacked the Chiefs,” he said, claiming some of his comments were in response to New York Giants fans communicating with him.

“I wanted to go out there and get my message across about my injury, but I shouldn’t have done that at the end of the day,” Toney continued.

“I am a man and I can accept my mistakes, just as I accept my victories.

“But I’m getting over it now because we’re here and we’re trying to win.”

Toney went on to miss the Super Bowl, ending what had been a disappointing first full season at Missouri, having been acquired via trade with the Giants during their Super Bowl run in 2022.

In 13 games, two of which he started, Toney combined with Mahomes for 169 yards and a touchdown on 27 receptions.

He also had five drops, behind only Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice who had a combined 172 receptions.

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Toney’s future with the team became increasingly uncertain as the offseason ended.

Wideout Marquise Brown was signed in free agency on a one-year deal that could pay him up to $11 million.

Fellow veteran receiver Jacob Copeland has also been signed along with former Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, who could also end up playing running back.

They selected speedy Texas receiver Xavier Worthy 28th overall while also adding undrafted rookies Phillip Brooks and Reggie Brown.

For now, Toney remains a member of the Chiefs, with voluntary OTAs set to begin on May 20.

Mandatory minicamp will begin on June 11th.

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