Getty Kadarius Toney catches a pass for the New York Giants against the Dallas Cowboys.
Though the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are division rivals, the two sides’ goals could align for a trade this offseason.
On the one hand, the Cowboys have stated that they expect to make more moves in free agency this offseason, and the team could still use another starter-quality option at wide receiver. On the other hand, the Giants appear to be looking to offload a pass catcher.
New York Daily News beat writer Pat Leonard reported on April 22 that the Giants were interested in trading their 2021 first-round draft pick, wide receiver Kadarius Toney. Toney initially did not report for any offseason meetings or events, which New York head coach Brian Daboll confirmed on April 20.
“BREAKING: Giants are looking to trade WR Kadarius Toney, making calls on what they can get for their 2021 1st round pick,” Leonard tweeted.
Giants HC Brian Daboll says Kadarius Toney is not here at voluntary pre-draft minicamp. Says Toney hasn’t received the playbook yet, because they haven’t done anything virtual. Daboll is careful to remind this is a voluntary camp. But given Toney’s history, this is noteworthy.
Toney did show up at the Giants’ facility on April 25, according to a report from “Talkin’ Giants” host Bobby Skinner that was confirmed by Leonard.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that the Giants might be considering bailing on Toney after a rough rookie season that saw the No. 20 overall pick in the 2021 draft play just 10 games. But while there are certainly red flags with Toney, the 23-year-old’s talent is undeniable.
Cowboys fans learned that firsthand on October 10, when Toney had a breakout game against Dallas, catching 10 passes for 189 yards. If Dallas is truly searching for another high-quality receiver and willing to take a chance, it would be a solution for both the Cowboys and Giants.
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Toney’s Time, Trouble with Giants
After catching national attention as a high school player at Blount High School in Mobile, Alabama, Toney chose the Florida Gators for his college ball. However, entering his senior season in 2020, Toney had not established himself as a top NFL prospect.
Toney totaled 606 receiving yards and two touchdowns in his first three seasons, but the 6-foot receiver took advantage of his final year in college, bringing down 70 receptions for 984 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
New York was sold on his quickness and playmaking ability, but Toney did not break out as expected, totaling 420 receiving yards and zero touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference.
In the Giants’ 44-20 loss to the Cowboys in Week 5, Toney threw a punch at Cowboys safety Damontae Kazee and was ejected, overshadowing his breakout performance.
What a Trade Would Look Like for Cowboys
Trading for a player who threw a punch at one of your own wouldn’t be orthodox decision-making, but Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has often acted unconventionally. If the Cowboys owner can improve the team for the right price, he’s shown that he will.
Which is the major factor with Toney: What would the Giants want for him? ESPN reporter Jordan Raanan said the Giants “would want a significant return” for the receiver, perhaps signaling that they’d want to recoup the first-round pick they spent on the former Florida star.
If that’s their bare minimum, the Cowboys could be out. But if the Giants are willing to accept something like a third-round pick and a Day 3 pick, then Dallas could be interested. Otherwise, the Cowboys’ second-round pick on its own could be considered a fair offer for Toney.