Getty Darnell Mooney warming up.
The Atlanta Falcons are signing former Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney to a three-year, $39 million deal with $26 million fully guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on March 12. Mooney, 26 years old, gets a new start in an offense that needed another threat.
After signing Kirk Cousins on March 11, the Falcons were in the mix for receivers, looking to add weapons around an already talented group. Mooney now joins a room full of young stars, including Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts.
He’s struggled throughout the past two seasons, posting less than 500 yards in both seasons. However, his 2021 season was impressive, putting up 1,055 yards on 81 receptions.
With Cousins throwing him the football, Mooney has a chance to prove he’s still a high-end wide receiver in the NFL.
Falcons Have Made Impressive Moves Early
The Atlanta Falcons have made multiple moves that align with their future. All of the moves have been to help the offensive side of the football, something they needed to do after scoring 18.9 points few games, ranking 26th in football.
With the decision to sign Cousins, the Falcons offense instantly improved. If he can come back and do what he did prior to his injury, giving the Falcons a quarterback who can throw for 4,000-plus yards every season, the offense has a chance to be one of the top in the NFC.
Dave Choate of The Falcoholic viewed wide receiver as a position of need this offseason, specifically in the draft.
“The Falcons will use Bijan Robinson as a slot receiver and kick Cordarrelle Patterson out wide at times, and Kyle Pitts will line up all over to create mismatches. Given that, the need at receiver isn’t quite as dire as it would seem, but it’s still a significant need. Mack Hollins is currently the de facto No. 2 receiver and is capable enough—especially as a blocker—but beyond Drake London there just isn’t any proven, high-end talent.
“Snagging a player the Falcons believe can be a factor opposite London over the long haul, even if they take some time to get up to speed, still feels like a good use of draft capital. There are quite a few set to be available in Round 3, if all goes well.”
While drafting a receiver wasn’t a bad option, the Falcons went the safer route and landed one of the best on the market.
They also have picks to use in the draft on defensive players and other needs.
What Darnell Mooney Brings to the Falcons
Mooney gives the Atlanta Falcons a true No. 2 receiver to pair with London. He may end up as the No. 1 receiver depending on how the season goes.
They weren’t lacking weapons with Robinson, Pitts, and London, but Mooney brings them a player who can help the others. Taking away pressure from Robinson, Pitts, and London will be a huge help for them.
The former Chicago Bears receiver has great speed, adding even more athleticism and speed to an already athletic offense.
At worst, this move helps Robinson, Pitts, and London all become the players they’ve shown to be at the top of their games.