Atlanta Falcons plan to release veteran WR Darnell Mooney ahead of 2026 NFL free agency
Darnell Mooney joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 on a three-year, $39 million contract, bringing his deep-threat ability from the Chicago Bears. Releasing Mooney outright would leave the Falcons with $11 million in dead money.
The Atlanta Falcons are set to move on from wide receiver Darnell Mooney, signalling a major roster shakeup as the new league year approaches. The team is planning to release the 28-year-old speedster, potentially opening up valuable salary cap space while adding him to the growing pool of free agents.
Atlanta Falcons eye trade before official cut
With the league year set to begin in just days, the Atlanta Falcons may first explore trade possibilities for Darnell Mooney. His looming $18.42 million cap hit for 2026 makes a deal unlikely, as few teams would absorb that figure for a player coming off a down year. If no trade materializes, a release appears imminent.
Releasing Mooney outright would leave the Falcons with $11 million in dead money. However, designating him as a post-June 1 cut would spread the hit and clear nearly $12 million in cap space, though the savings wouldn't be immediate. This strategy aligns with Atlanta's efforts to create flexibility amid ongoing cap constraints.
Darnell Mooney's tenure with the Atlanta Falcons
Darnell Mooney joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 on a three-year, $39 million contract, bringing his deep-threat ability from the Chicago Bears. He made an immediate impact in his first season with Atlanta, hauling in 64 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdowns. The production showcased his speed and reliability as a complementary piece.
However, 2025 told a different story. Mooney's numbers dropped significantly to 32 catches for 443 yards and one touchdown over 15 games. The dip in output, combined with his hefty cap number, made his future uncertain in Atlanta's evolving offense.
What this means for the Atlanta Falcons and Darnell Mooney
This decision frees resources for the Atlanta Falcons to pursue other priorities in free agency or the draft, especially at skill positions. Atlanta's wide receiver room could see fresh additions to complement emerging talents and support their quarterback plans.
For Darnell Mooney, still young at 28 and averaging over 13 yards per catch in recent seasons, a fresh start elsewhere could revive his career. His track record as a vertical threat should attract interest from teams needing speed, though likely at a reduced salary compared to his Falcons deal.
The move highlights the Falcons' focus on financial flexibility and roster optimization as they build for the future.
About the Author
Aachal Maniyar is a Senior Content Producer at LiveMint, where she covers US sports with a focus on major leagues, marquee events, and athlete-driven stories, while also reporting extensively on cricket and global sports. With over five years of first-hand journalism experience, she combines sharp editorial judgment with real-time sports storytelling across platforms. <br><br> Her reporting journey spans leading newsrooms including Thomson Reuters, India TV, BTVI, ET NOW, and CNBC TV18, where she has worked across breaking news, live match coverage, feature writing, interviews, video scripting, and anchoring. This multi-platform exposure has shaped her ability to deliver context-rich sports and business journalism tailored for both television and digital audiences. <br><br> Aachal has conducted and produced exclusive interviews with athletes and public figures such as India cricketer Dhruv Jurel, Indian women’s hockey captain Savita Punia, and industrialist Ratan Tata, along with several emerging and established sports personalities. Her body of work includes in-depth explainers, athlete profiles, emotionally resonant fan narratives, and data-backed match analysis across cricket, Olympic sports, and international competitions. <br><br> She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune, and believes in reporting that is grounded in accuracy, clarity, and credibility. Her philosophy is simple: sports journalism should go beyond scores and statistics, capturing the human stories, pressure moments, and decisions that shape the game and the people who play it.
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