The Washington Commanders released edge rusher Shaka Toney, one of five NFL players suspended last spring for violating the league’s gambling policy. The move comes a week after his reinstatement by the league. Toney is now eligible to play during the 2024 season, but needs new team following Washington’s decision to move on from the former Penn State defender.
Toney is a former seventh-round pick by the Commanders in 2021 after he was a two-time All-Big Ten honoree with Nittany Lions. Washington is expected to go after a defensive end — or two — in this week’s 2024 NFL Draft given the roster changes at the position.
The former three-star recruit out of Philadelphia was a member of Penn State’s 2016 signing class and made the most of his opportunity in Happy Valley, saving his best for the latter half of his career in the Big Ten. Penn State was his biggest offer coming from the high school ranks and his development as an every-down rush threat was notable toward the end of his days at the program.
Per CBS Sports, across his 26 appearances with Washington from 2021-2022, the 26-year-old defensive end recorded 16 total tackles, including 1.5 sacks. The Commanders have several new faces along the defensive front after trading former first-round pick Chase Young during the 2023 season.
Washington also has a decision to make inside the top 5 after Chicago likely goes with former USC star quarterback Caleb Williams with its top draft selection. LSU’s Jayden Daniels will be available at No. 2 if that’s where the Commanders believe their franchise is best-suited at the position.
Right now, Daniels is unsure where he stands with the franchise.
“He has had interest in playing for the Raiders, who pick 13th and probably can’t get high enough to pick him,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said over the weekend. “I can’t confirm that he doesn’t want to play for Washington, but it hasn’t been an easy smooth process for whatever reason so far.”
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The NFL Draft begins Thursday.
