Chiefs decline struggling wide receiver's fifth-year option

Toney would have cost $14.35M in 2025 had Kansas City picked up his option, so it comes as little surprise the team has elected against doing so. 

The 25-year-old had a season to forget in 2023, finding himself on the injury report 19 weeks out of 21 (a matter of contention by the end of the postseason) and frequently struggling with drops. In all, Toney totaled just 169 yards and one touchdown on 27 catches.

Midway through his second season in the league, the Florida product was dealt to Kansas City in a move underscoring his disappointing tenure with New York. Things have not gone according to plan with the Chiefs so far, but head coach Andy Reid has expressed confidence in Toney playing a role in the team’s offense in 2024. 

With the coming season doubling as his walk year, it will be interesting to see how he performs.

The Chiefs won a second straight Super Bowl last season, but they did so without a consistent or efficient passing game. Tight end Travis Kelce will remain the team’s top receiving target for at least two more years, but it came as no surprise that the team has emphasized WR additions this offseason. 

Marquise Brown was signed in free agency on a one-year deal, and Kansas City moved up in the first round of the draft to select Xavier Worthy.

Both of those players are positioned to have a notable impact in 2024, something which may not be the case for Toney. The team still has fellow wideouts Justin Watson, Skyy Moore and Rashee Rice in the fold, although the latter’s future is currently in question. 

Staying healthy will be an obvious priority for Toney, and doing so could create a path to playing time in 2024. If that does not turn out to be the case, however, he will likely make his first trip to free agency without much fanfare.