The Kansas City Chiefs surprised fans on Thursday by trading for New York Giants WR Kadarius Toney. There was an expectation that the team might pursue help on the defensive side of the ball, but many thought the wide receiver position didn’t need another body, let alone a trade acquisition.
What does the Chiefs Wire staff think of the move? Below you’ll find our grades of the trade:
Charles Goldman's grade: A-
The only downside I can think of with this trade is compensation, but even then it feels like a stretch. Firstly, the team is still projected to have 11 picks after the trade. Given that the third-round pick is compensatory, you’re basically trading a fourth-round draft pick. The sixth-rounder will also be late in the round, so it’s also less valuable. Simply put, you’re not going to find a receiver as talented as Toney in the 2023 NFL draft in the late third round.
The reason that I think Toney will end up being successful in Kansas City is that Andy Reid encourages his players to let their personality show. In New York, he wasn’t getting that same type of support and encouragement. I think that this is the type of bet that could pay off in a big way. He’s clearly a talented player and if the Chiefs can tap into his potential, he could thrive with the team.
Wesley Roesch's grade: B-
When I first read the report, my gut reaction to this trade was not positive. Giving up a third and sixth for a guy who has barely seen the field didn’t make much sense. But in thinking it over I realized that the picks come at the bottom of their respective rounds, and the Chiefs will still have around 10 or 11 picks in the 2023 draft.
When you think about previously-failed draft picks by the Chiefs like Cornell Powell (fifth round) and Jehu Chesson (fourth round), you realize that they’re basically taking flyers on receivers in those middle-to-late rounds. So the Chiefs decided to use their picks to take a flyer on a first-round pick rather than a rookie next year. It makes sense, right?
Of course, this could end up as a bust for Kansas City. Toney could remain injured constantly and eventually fizzle out. That’s a real risk. But so could a mid-round rookie receiver. The risk isn’t really any different.
As far as what Toney can do, I think he’ll return punts for the Chiefs at the very least this season. Then next year he could emerge as a real receiving threat, especially if Mecole Hardman and/or JuJu Smith-Schuster leave. The best thing about this is the Chiefs still have 2.5 years of cheap control of Toney plus a fifth-year option. The upside looks even better when you take that into consideration. It’s a mid-risk, high-reward scenario for K.C.
Ed Easton Jr.'s grade: B
The Kansas City Chiefs made a splash on Wednesday, only a few days from the trade deadline, acquiring WR Kadarius Toney from the New York Giants.
Toney was drafted 20th overall in 2021 but has missed 12 games due to various injuries. He has quite a bit of upside because of his speed and ability to make people miss in the open field. Should he stay healthy, the Chiefs should be able to utilize him to the fullest.
Toney is an essential pick-up because of the needed alternate option at punt and kick returner following Isiah Pacheco’s promotion to the starting lineup and Skyy Moore’s struggles. The flexibility to bring him along slowly into the offense at wide receiver should prove valuable for the playoffs. His contract length and immediate impact on special teams make this a wise acquisition from Brett Veach.
Nick Roesch's grade: B+
Toney fits the Andy Reid wide receiver profile to a tee. He’s fast, shifty, and has the athleticism to line up anywhere on the field. He can also contribute as a return man on special teams. Surrendering a mid-round pick and a late-round pick for a former first-round talent with WR1 upside is a worthy gamble.
It could be mildly concerning that the new regime within the Giants was willing to move on from Toney so soon, but we don’t know the whole story. Sometimes a refresh is needed. I won’t reflect on this trade positively if the Chiefs are banking on him to be their top receiver heading into next season, but I doubt that will be the case.
As for this season’s expectations, I expect him to contribute on special teams immediately and see limited snaps offensively. Perhaps Reid dials up a deep shot or two for Toney or gives him a few carries out of the backfield.
