(Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
As the Washington Commanders enter the week of the NFL Draft looking to add some impactful pieces with new head coach Dan Quinn, they were also forced to cut ties with one of their young defenders along the line.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Commanders released fourth-year defensive end Shaka Toney after he was reinstated from an indefinite gambling suspension that cost him all of 2023.
The #Commanders have released DE Shaka Toney, who was just reinstated from a gambling suspension.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 22, 2024
Toney was drafted out of Penn State in the seventh round in 2021 by Washington.
He started just once in 26 career games and recorded 1.5 sacks.
Additionally, he also only made 16 tackles in the two seasons prior to the suspension.
A year ago, Toney was in the process of accepting a suspension from the league for violating the NFL’s gambling policy.
He was reportedly gambling on other NFL games during the 2022 season.
The 26-year-old was the odd man out after his suspension was lifted because the team already has Dante Fowler Jr., Clelin Farrell, Dorance Armstrong Jr., and Efe Obada on the roster.
Also, when a team brings in a new head coach, especially a defensive-minded head coach, he will have his own ideas and connections with other players who he has spent time with.
Dan Quinn and the rest of the Commanders brass decided it was best to part ways with Toney, who was about to enter the third-year of his four-year rookie deal.
The two-time All-Big Ten performer will be looking for a new home after an underwhelming and disappointing start to his young career.
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