Falcons cut ties with $18.4 million WR before free agency

The Atlanta Falcons have decided Darnell Mooney was simply too expensive.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Falcons "are planning to release" the speedy wide receiver.

It's a bit of a surprise on the surface, but when you see the numbers, it makes more sense.

If the Falcons kept Mooney for the season ahead, he'd count for $18.4 million against the salary cap.

Clearing Mooney's contract off the books will allow Atlanta to potentially focus on other needs during the upcoming free agency window.

Mooney ended up playing in two seasons for the Falcons after arriving from the Chicago Bears.

He had a great 2024, catching 64 passes for 992 yards and five touchdowns.

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His numbers dropped off in 2025, with 32 catches for 443 yards and a single TD.

Mooney's best NFL season remains 2021 with the Bears when he had 81 grabs for 1,055 yards.

In his career across six seasons, Mooney has played 91 games, caught 309 passes for 4,028 yards and hauled in 17 touchdowns.

His career yards per catch is a solid 13.0.

Mooney enters free agency at 28 years old and should draw some interest, although not at the price point the Falcons would've owed him.

He still has the potential to be a quality secondary wideout for a decent team, and it'll be interesting to see where he lands.

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