After a disappointing offensive showing in their first game, the Cleveland Browns are adding former Kansas City wide receiver and Super Bowl standout Kadarius Toney to their practice squad, according to a source who spoke with The Associated Press on Monday.
Toney, who was a first-round draft pick by the New York Giants in 2021, was released by the Super Bowl-winning Chiefs in August after spending two seasons with them.
He will join the Browns’ practice squad this week, although the 25-year-old has not yet signed his contract. Toney visited the Browns on Friday. The Seattle Seahawks also showed interest in Toney.
In Super Bowl LVII, Toney made two key plays that helped the Chiefs defeat the Philadelphia Eagles. He caught a 5-yard touchdown pass and returned a punt 65 yards to set up another touchdown.
Toney did not play in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory last season. He might be able to help the Browns.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson and the Browns’ offense struggled in their 33-17 loss to Dallas on Sunday. They managed only one first down in the first half and never posed a serious threat to the Cowboys.
Toney could provide the Browns with additional depth behind receivers Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, and Cedric Tillman.
Cleveland, which plays at Jacksonville this week, could also use another option for Watson, especially with Pro Bowl tight end David Njoku expected to be out for several weeks due to a sprained ankle.
In his NFL career, Toney has 82 receptions for 760 yards and three touchdowns in 32 games. His best season was his rookie year, with 39 catches for 420 yards.