AP Photo/Jason Behnken
Kadarius Toney could be unique in New York.
The Giants are reportedly looking to trade their 2021 first-round draft pick, according to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News. Big Blue is apparently making calls with other teams to see what they can get for the wide receiver.
Leonard offered more context behind the reported movement behind the scenes:
“There was some internal drive to rescue Toney during his tumultuous rookie season a year ago. His commitment was questioned behind the scenes during his rookie year due to lack of playbook study, poor behavior in meetings and frequent injuries.
“The high-maintenance wide receiver also hasn’t shown up for any of the team’s offseason programs under first-year coach Brian Daboll. So the Giants are trying to move last year’s No. 20 overall pick.” .
Management has changed hands since Toney left for New York. General manager Joe Schoen replaced Dave Gettleman, and Brian Daboll now calls the shots in place of former head coach Joe Judge.
Apparently, the new regime may feel that Toney doesn’t fit with the vision they are trying to build in New York.
Still, trading Toney is something of a gamble considering the glimmers of greatness the wide receiver showed at times last year.
He’s electric with the ball in his hands, notably catching 10 passes for 189 yards against the Dallas Cowboys. Toney also had six passes for 78 yards against the New Orleans Saints, and his elusiveness in the outfield caused serious problems.
Toney finished an injury-shortened 10-game campaign with 39 receptions for 420 yards. According to Leonard, Toney had two positive tests for COVID, a hamstring, ankle, thumb, quad, oblique and shoulder from May to December.
As for this year, Toney hasn’t shown up for voluntary training camp, but Daboll told reporters he had good conversations with the former Florida star.
Giants Videos @SNY Giants
Kadarius Toney isn’t with the Giants today, but Brian Daboll isn’t worried:
“He’s volunteering for a reason. I’ve had good conversations with KT.” pic.twitter.com/xtmjnBjvJ7
With the draft scheduled to start Thursday, the wheels could be turning for an out-of-town trade if the Giants are looking for a 2022 pick. For now, though, Toney remains a Giant as New York tries to recover from a five-year stretch that has seen Big Blue go 22-59.