Add another receiver to the free agent pile.
The Atlanta Falcons are set to release WR Darnell Mooney, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported, according to sources briefed on the situation.
Mooney was scheduled to count $18.4 million against the salary cap, but had no guaranteed money left on his contract. The Falcons will save $7.42 million on the cap with 11 million in dead money by skipping the expansion.
The 28-year-old Mooney signed a three-year, $39 million contract in Atlanta after four seasons in Chicago. In his first year in the ATL, Mooney had 992 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games. However, his game fell off last season. He didn’t create a single game with more than 74 receiving yards and had nine touchdowns of 25 yards or less. He finished with 443 yards on 32 catches with 1 score.
Mooney joins an interesting WR group in free agency, headlined by Colts shortstop Alec Pierce, Seahawks rusher Rashid Shaheed and future Hall of Famer Mike Evans. There is also depth at the position with the likes of Romeo Doubs, Jauan Jennings, Jalen Nailor, Deebo Samuel and most recently Stefon Diggs headed to the open market.
Mooney won’t see a payday like he did two years ago, but there’s always room on the team for a talent who stretches the field and averaged 13.0 yards per catch over his first six seasons. In the right attack, he could play a key role in a game-winner.
For the Falcons, the move frees up space needed to fill out the roster but highlights the need to add multiple wideout this offseason – in free agency and the draft. It’s dark behind the horse Drake London, who is in line for a long-term extension.