As the Seattle Seahawks gear up for their season opener against the Denver Broncos, they’re exploring potential roster moves that could shape their campaign. Among the notable names on their radar is Kadarius Toney, the speedy wide receiver recently released by the Kansas City Chiefs. Toney, a two-time Super Bowl champion, was among several players hosted by the Seahawks on September 3, 2024, fueling speculation about his future with the team.
Seattle’s decision to cut offensive lineman Max Pircher, defensive lineman Kyon Barrs from the practice squad, and waive defensive lineman Buddha Jones off injured reserve seems to pave the way for potential new additions. The Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta suggests that if the Seahawks do sign Toney, it might be to the practice squad, though he acknowledges the unpredictability of such decisions.
The Seahawks also hosted defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna, wide receiver Kaden Davis, quarterback Josh Love, tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden, pass rusher Kenneth Odumegwu, and defensive end Tramel Walthour, according to Houston KPRC’s Aaron Wilson. However, it’s Toney’s visit that has drawn the most attention.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that although Toney completed his visit with Seattle, no signing was finalized. Toney is still evaluating his options and could potentially visit other teams before making a decision.
Should the Seahawks Take a Chance on Toney?
Kadarius Toney’s career has been marked by flashes of potential but also by injuries and inconsistent performance. Selected by the New York Giants with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Toney’s time in the league has been underwhelming, with no season exceeding 500 receiving yards. After being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022, Toney’s tenure was marred by injury issues and inconsistent play, leading to his release as the Chiefs trimmed their roster for the 2024 season.
Despite his pedigree, the Seahawks might not be in dire need of Toney’s services given their strong receiving corps, featuring stars DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba. However, Toney could offer valuable depth and special teams contributions, particularly in light of new kickoff rules that might play to his strengths.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move?
The Seahawks are known for their willingness to take chances on reclamation projects, and signing Toney could be a strategic low-risk move. Chiefs GM Brett Veach expressed disappointment over Toney’s stint in Kansas City, citing unfortunate injuries as a significant factor. “We’re certainly disappointed,” Veach noted. “Some of this stuff is a stroke of bad luck… tearing his [meniscus] on the first day of training camp was something that was just unfortunate.”
As Toney continues to explore his options, the Seahawks must weigh the potential benefits against the risks. With their season fast approaching, any roster decision could have significant implications for their success in 2024.
