This weapon might be a headache for Chiefs' next opponent

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

This offensive weapon might be a headache for Chiefs' next opponent

By Thomas Huitt-Johnson | Last updated 1/13/23

Could a trade-deadline pickup be among the Chiefs' best players in the postseason?

During the TV broadcast of the Chiefs' Week 18 win over the Raiders, ESPN's Louis Riddick said Kansas City GM Brett Veach told him Kadarius Toney may soon be the team's best wideout. In 2008 and 2009, Riddick and Veach worked together for the Philadelphia Eagles under head coach Andy Reid.

Louis Riddick just said that Brett Veach believes in a few weeks, WR Kadarius Toney could be the best receiver the Chiefs have.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) January 7, 2023

In Week 18, Toney — acquired from the Giants on Oct. 27 — scored on an 11-yard run one play after Chiefs' famous "Snow Globe" play. Toney's TD catch on that play was called back because of a penalty.

Toney, who didn't have a touchdown in 12 games with the Giants, has scored three touchdowns with the Chiefs. He also can be effective in the running game, as this play shows:

Sprint draw with 1 leading through the B gap. 57 lines up his split a little wider to create more space. 62 with an amazing job to rake the NT into the A gap. 52 leads up mauls a LB. 87 busting his tail to get on the angle. 19's ability to cut and shift gears is on full display. pic.twitter.com/QP3jIDSalX
— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) January 9, 2023

It's not uncommon for a Chiefs player to take on a bigger role in the postseason.

Last season, running back Jerick McKinnon broke out in the postseason after limited use during the regular season. In three playoff games, he had 315 total yards.

Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes has told reporters since the beginning of the season that he wants to spread the ball around to the wideouts.

Although Mahomes threw for 5,250 yards this season, no Chiefs wide receiver topped 1,000 yards receiving. JuJu Smith-Schuster led all wideouts with 933 yards. On 17 targets, Toney had 14 catches for 171 yards.

With recently activated Mecole Hardman also on the field, Toney could be freed up for an even bigger role. That could be another headache for the Chiefs' opponent in next week's divisional round.

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