Steelers Suddenly Force Former First Round Pick To Get Cut After Browns Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 14 27-14 win over the Cleveland Browns brought some special plays. One of the bigger moments came when Ben Skowronek recovered a muffed punt by Browns returner Kadarius Toney. With just three minutes left in the game and the Steelers punting the ball back to Cleveland, the Browns had a faint hope of mounting a comeback. However, Toney’s critical misstep sealed their fate, allowing the Steelers to secure possession and effectively end the game.

Toney’s muffed punt was a crushing blow for the Browns, who had struggled all game to keep pace with the Steelers. The error not only ended Cleveland’s slim chances of a late-game rally, but also drew heavy criticism from fans and analysts alike. For Skowronek, the recovery was a highlight moment, showcasing his awareness and hustle in a high-pressure situation. His effort ensured the Steelers would walk away with a crucial divisional victory.

In the aftermath, the Browns wasted no time addressing Toney’s costly mistake. On Tuesday, the team announced they had parted ways with the former first round pick, a decision that really didn't shock many. The move underscored the high stakes of the NFL, where even a single error can have significant consequences. Meanwhile, the Steelers continue to build momentum as they push toward a potential AFC North title, buoyed by moments like Skowronek’s heads-up play.

The play was bad enough on its own, but it was compounded by what happened just a series earlier. On a prior punt, Toney fair-caught the ball but then drew a costly 15-yard penalty for taunting after throwing the football at Skowronek. It was an inexcusable mistake, especially for a player on a team down multiple scores, desperately trying to keep their comeback hopes alive.

Fittingly, it was Skowronek who recovered the muffed punt, getting the last laugh after being on the receiving end of Toney's earlier penalty. The moment not only sealed the Steelers' victory, but also highlighted Toney's costly lapses in judgment and execution. His miscues proved pivotal, as they snuffed out any remaining chance of a Browns rally.

Toney’s release on Tuesday was no surprise, and his performance against the Steelers undoubtedly played a role. While the Steelers’ strong play made life difficult for Cleveland, it was Toney’s back-to-back errors that sealed his fate. A muffed punt might occasionally be forgiven, but when paired with an earlier 15-yard penalty for a reckless outburst, it left no room for leniency.

Steelers Put Kadarius Toney's Career In Hot Water 

When Toney was drafted in 2021, many believed he had the potential to become a game-changing wide receiver in the NFL. However, his career hasn’t lived up to those expectations, and now he finds himself without a team for the foreseeable future. After his brutal performance against the Steelers, it’s uncertain whether any organization will be willing to take a chance on him.

The NFL is an unforgiving league, where even a single mistake can derail a player’s career. For Toney, the combination of costly errors and unmet expectations has brought him to a crossroads. Whether he can overcome this setback and find another opportunity remains to be seen.

Toney’s journey is a reminder of how fleeting NFL success can be. While his talent once inspired great hope, he now faces the challenge of rebuilding his reputation and proving he can still live up to the promise that accompanied him into the league. Only time will tell if he can rise to the occasion and revive his career.

#SteelerNation