Three Insights from the Chiefs' 53-Man Roster: A Lesson from Kadarius Toney and the Return of JuJu

 The longest punt return in Super Bowl history will remain a memorable moment, especially in Kansas City, but the player behind it, Kadarius Toney, is now gone. Toney, a player with undeniable talent often overshadowed by his unpredictable personality, was released by the Chiefs on Tuesday after failing to make the final roster following training camp. Signs of his departure were evident during the latter part of camp, particularly as head coach Andy Reid expressed frustration with Toney's missed practices. Despite the Chiefs' previous investment in Toney—trading two draft picks (Nos. 100 and 209 in the 2023 NFL Draft) to acquire him from the Giants—their decision to move on became clearer as they observed his struggles.

Questions lingered about why the Giants, eager to part with a first-round talent, would let him go. The Chiefs overlooked these warning signs, believing Toney's potential outweighed the risks. However, the decision to release him now seems justified, given his inconsistent performance throughout camp and his tendency to drop passes. Toney rarely practiced with Patrick Mahomes and the first team, leading to the conclusion that the Chiefs might need to reassess their trade for him.

While Toney's punt return in Super Bowl LVII contributed to a crucial touchdown and was significant in increasing the Chiefs’ win probability, the overall impact of that play does not overshadow the broader concerns surrounding his time with the team. Toney often neglected the intricate details crucial to succeeding in an Andy Reid offense and seemed to prioritize off-field distractions over his performance on the field.

Despite repeated reassurances from the Chiefs about Toney's importance, his shortcomings became increasingly evident, culminating in notable missteps during the season. From negating a potential game-winning touchdown with an offside penalty to stirring controversy with injury accusations, Toney's tenure was marred by inconsistencies.

For a team led by Patrick Mahomes, it’s clear they should not be overly reliant on supporting players who present significant risks, especially when those players fail to align with the team’s needs.

In other news, JuJu Smith-Schuster, who had a strong Super Bowl season two years ago, has returned to the Chiefs after being released by New England. His previous success with the Chiefs—leading the team in receptions and yards—brings questions about his current form. While the Chiefs are revamping their deep passing game with new additions, Smith-Schuster's role appears to be focused on short-yardage situations, a critical area where he excelled previously.

Lastly, the Chiefs have acknowledged their lack of depth compared to last year, evident in their winless preseason. By trimming their roster to 51 players and trading for tight end Peyton Hendershot and edge rusher Cameron Thomas, they are actively seeking to bolster their ranks before the season starts, recognizing that they are thinner along the defensive line, at cornerback, and running back as they aim for continued success.