On Thursday, New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen shocked the NFL world by getting ahead of his trade deadline duties: he sent wide receiver Kadarius Toney to the Kansas City Chiefs for draft pick compensation.
It’s yet another transaction from this new regime that’s removing former GM Dave Gettleman’s imprint from the organization.
Toney was taken 20th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft but has played in just 12 games since debuting last year. Whether it was his absence from the Giants’ predraft minicamp, questions surrounding his knowledge of the playbook, or injuries holding him back, his short tenure has no doubt been problematic.
Specifically, the Giants WR corps has been a mess. Toney’s been absent. Kenny Golladay’s one of the worst signings in franchise history. Darius Slayton had trade rumors attached to him all offseason.
As the Giants thin the herd, expect Wan’Dale Robinson, who has taken on a larger role in recent weeks, to continue to emerge. And even better, look forward to what Schoen will do with a couple draft picks from KC.
Breaking: Kadarius Toney
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 27, 2022
To Chiefs, source tells @theScore. #Chiefs trade their conditional 3rd round pick and 6th to #Giants.
Giants trade Kadarius Toney to Chiefs for draft pick compensation
Toney, the former Florida Gator, was viewed as a playmaker at the time of his selection in the draft. He was a Swiss Army knife in Gainesville and it was believed his versatility could help elevate a stale Giants offense.
But that was before New York tore everything down and parted with Gettleman and head coach Joe Judge. Now, with Schoen and Brian Daboll running the show, the Giants are 6-1 and their leading receiver (Richie James) has 191 yards on the season. Behind him? Saquon Barkley with 180.
They’ve figured out a way to make do and make the offense more dynamic, all the while sending the right message about playing time and parting with those who aren’t fitting/buying in.
For clarity, both picks Kansas City sent to the #Giants are in 2023. And the third-rounder is not conditional.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 27, 2022
Though Toney’s addition to the KC offense could be lethal (and cost-effective), they’re no doubt taking a risk. Giants fans who have lived through this over the last year and a half will tell you that.
There’s more work to be done before Tuesday’s deadline, but this is about as hopeful a start for the Giants anyone could’ve imagined. The Giants are continually changing their identity and leaving the past far in the rearview. They’ll be stuck with some Gettleman guys, but so far the non-contributors/toxic ones have been iced out.
Think the fans were right complaining about culture for the last six years?
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