Darnell Mooney joined the Atlanta Falcons in March 2024 after four seasons with the Chicago Bears. Mooney signed a three-year, $39 million contract with the Falcons. Before he could complete his tenure, the wide receiver is set to be released.
Underdog NFL posted on X that the Falcons are planning to release the veteran WR. Mooney will soon join the growing list of free agents. With the start of the new league year approaching, we are seeing players being added to the list by various teams.
Mooney was a fifth-round, 173rd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He claimed the starting wide receiver position in the second season, which is still his best season in terms of productivity on the field.
He had 81 receptions for 1055 yards and four touchdowns. His numbers dipped in the following years for Chicago. Mooney peaked yet again in 2024 with the Falcons, recording 16 starts, 64 receptions for 992 yards, and five touchdowns.
No team would be an immediate lock for Mooney. He is coming off a rough year in Atlanta, registering just 443 yards on 32 receptions with one touchdown. There were some contributing factors to the dip in production.
Shaky quarterback play and injury played a major role in bringing Mooney’s numbers down, but the responsibility still falls on his shoulders.
At the age of 28, he has a lot to offer, and he possesses the necessary experience for a veteran wide receiver. Now that he’s set to leave Atlanta, several teams will be monitoring his situation.
Darnell Mooney’s Top 5 Landing Spots
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers would be one of the frontrunners if there’s a race to sign Mooney in his free agency. The Steelers need a running mate for their primary wide receiver, DK Metcalf, and Mooney will fit right into that setup.
There’s no denying that whichever team he joins next, he’ll likely lose his starting WR nod. But it’s a necessary sacrifice that he’ll have to make to reestablish himself.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders already have a very capable wide receiver in Terry McLaurin, but there’s space for Mooney on the team. McLaurin just had an injury-plagued season, and his numbers took a nosedive.
McLaurin registered his first season with fewer than 1000 yards receiving since his rookie year. Putting Mooney in the lineup will not only help stabilize the burden on McLaurin but also give the Commanders the depth they’ve been looking for.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills seem to be the best fit for Mooney right now. Their receiving core has suffered a lot lately, with Keon Coleman and Joshua Palmer underperforming, largely due to their injuries. If the Bills sign him, Mooney might be able to retain his starting WR role.
Philadelphia Eagles
Is it the most realistic option on this lineup? No. However, we can’t discard it simply because they have a strong WR room for now. AJ Brown has been in the trade rumor market lately, and there’s no guarantee he’s going to stay.
Regardless of what happens with Brown’s trade rumors, Mooney could be a great veteran WR2 or WR3 to complement their existing offense.
Chicago Bears
Going back home is always an option. Yes, the Bears have a strong lineup at the position, but the addition of Mooney will only add to their strength, and more importantly, it’s the familiarity with the organization that makes him a good option for Chicago.
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