The Atlanta Falcons are planning to release one of their best wide receivers in Darnell Mooney.
The news is set to spark a race across the NFL to sign the 28-year-old, who averages over 13 yards a catch in each of the last three seasons.
The decision by the Falcons is purely a financial one – releasing Mooney saves $18.4million against the cap as new head coach Kevin Stefanski oversees a rebuild this offseason.
But Mooney will end up somewhere else, probably quite soon with numbers like his. Mooney’s Atlanta exit was first reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.
The Falcons failed again to make the postseason in 2025, prompting owner Arthur Blank to part ways with head coach Raheem Morris after an underwhelming 8-9 season.
The team boasts one of, if not the best, offensive player in football in running back Bijan Robinson but have failed to get the other puzzle pieces in place around him.
The Atlanta Falcons are planning to release wide receiver Darnell Mooney
Mooney, averaging over 13 yards per catch, is an appealing option for teams in free agency
As for Mooney, he joins a growing list of free agent wide receivers for teams to consider this offseason.
On Wednesday, Stefon Diggs was released by the New England Patriots while Alec Pierce is also going to try out free agency after his time at the Indianapolis Colts.
Rashid Shaheed is also entering free agency after time with Super Bowl winners Seattle Seahawks and Mike Evans is also available after time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Mooney was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
He had four seasons at Soldier Field before the Falcons signed him to a three-year, $39million deal. But now, he is looking for a new chapter.
Mooney had 96 catches for 1,435 yards and six touchdowns in Atlanta.
