NFL Rumors: Kadarius Toney Released by Chiefs; UDFA Carson Steele Makes 53-Man Roster

Adam WellsAugust 27, 2024

David Eulitt/Getty Images

Super Bowl 57 standout Kadarius Toney is being released by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Toney will be waived before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline for teams to cut their rosters down to 53 players.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero added that undrafted free-agent running back Carson Steele is on Kansas City’s initial 53-man roster.

Toney’s release doesn’t come as a surprise because it had been speculated about leading up to Tuesday’s deadline. The 25-year-old has struggled to find consistency since being selected in the first round by the New York Giants in the 2021 NFL draft.

After just 12 games with the Giants over two seasons, Toney was traded to the Chiefs in October 2022. He played a significant role in Kansas City’s 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57.

Toney’s 65-yard punt return in the fourth quarter was the longest in Super Bowl history. It also set up Patrick Mahomes’ five-yard touchdown pass to Skyy Moore that gave the Chiefs a 35-27 lead with 9:12 remaining.

NFL @NFLKADARIUS TONEY TAKES IT DOWN TO THE 5 YARD LINE.

THIS GAME. 🔥🔥🔥

📺: #SBLVII on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/d8gBDzRt2m pic.twitter.com/bFMl6VQPUA

The punt return came after Toney caught the go-ahead touchdown pass from Mahomes after the Chiefs trailed by as many 10 points earlier in the game.

Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Chiefs were unable to find a trade partner before they decided to release Toney.

Louis Rees-Zammit, the former rugby star who signed with the Chiefs in March, is among the players being released by the club, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz. Deneric Prince was also released, per Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star.

Steele became a fan favorite player in Kansas City during the preseason. He more than earned his spot on the roster with 87 yards and two rushing touchdowns on 11 carries in three games.

Beyond the box score stats, Steele also showcased his knack for breaking tackles. SB Nation’s Doug Farrar noted he forced nine missed tackles and picked up 81 of his 87 yards after first contact.

This tracks with what Steele did during his college career at Ball State (2021-22) and UCLA (2023).

Jacob Gibbs @jagibbs_23No player created more yards after initial contact than Carson Steele across the 2021-23 seasons.

(Data per @TruMediaSports) pic.twitter.com/ZSb9t7TAIL

There is an opportunity for Steele to play a significant role in Kansas City’s backfield this season. Isiah Pacheco set a career high in rushing yards (935) last season, but his success rate per attempt dropped from 57.1 percent as a rookie to 50.1 percent in 2023.

The Chiefs will begin their quest for a third straight Super Bowl title on Sept. 5 against the Baltimore Ravens in a rematch of last season’s AFC Championship Game.