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The Atlanta Falcons wrapped up another season with plenty of decisions to make, but none bigger than what’s happening at wide receiver. General manager Ian Cunningham is expected to make some cuts in that position group, then try to rebuild it through the draft and free agency.
Darnell Mooney appears to be one of the casualties. The former Tulane standout had a quiet year in Atlanta, finishing with just 32 receptions for 443 yards and a single touchdown across 15 games.
MORE: Iowa OT compared to Sydney Sweeney after viral NFL Combine moment
His overall NFL resume is solid enough, 309 catches, 4,028 yards, and 18 touchdowns over six seasons split between the Bears and Falcons, but his production didn’t match what the team needed from him in 2025.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The bigger problem is his contract. Atlanta apparently decided the financial commitment was too steep to justify keeping him on the roster.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport broke the news that the Falcons are moving on from the speedster.
“The Falcons are planning to release WR Darnell Mooney, sources say, with Mooney set to count $18.4M against the salary cap,” Rapoport said.
That $18.4 million cap hit would have been hard to swallow given what Mooney produced last season. Releasing him opens up significant space for Atlanta to work with when free agency rolls around.
The front office can redirect those resources toward addressing other gaps on the roster.
Mooney inked a three-year, $39 million deal with the Falcons back in 2024, which came with a $15 million signing bonus and $26 million in guaranteed money, according to Spotrac. His average annual salary checked in at $13 million.
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The post Falcons reportedly planning to release WR with $18.4M cap hit appeared first on The Big Lead.
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Darnell Mooney appears to be one of the casualties. The former Tulane standout had a quiet year in Atlanta, finishing with just 32 receptions for 443 yards and a single touchdown across 15 games.
MORE: Iowa OT compared to Sydney Sweeney after viral NFL Combine moment
His overall NFL resume is solid enough, 309 catches, 4,028 yards, and 18 touchdowns over six seasons split between the Bears and Falcons, but his production didn’t match what the team needed from him in 2025.
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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The bigger problem is his contract. Atlanta apparently decided the financial commitment was too steep to justify keeping him on the roster.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport broke the news that the Falcons are moving on from the speedster.
“The Falcons are planning to release WR Darnell Mooney, sources say, with Mooney set to count $18.4M against the salary cap,” Rapoport said.
That $18.4 million cap hit would have been hard to swallow given what Mooney produced last season. Releasing him opens up significant space for Atlanta to work with when free agency rolls around.
The front office can redirect those resources toward addressing other gaps on the roster.
Mooney inked a three-year, $39 million deal with the Falcons back in 2024, which came with a $15 million signing bonus and $26 million in guaranteed money, according to Spotrac. His average annual salary checked in at $13 million.
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NFL: 5 most overrated NFL free agents hitting the market in 2026
MLB: What drug did Jurickson Profar take? MLB announces PED use
SPORTS MEDIA: Stephen A. Smith bashes underwhelming NBA star as ‘food addict’
VIRAL: NBC delivers epic nostalgia with ‘Throwback Tuesday’ NBA broadcast
WORLD CUP: Will Iran compete in the 2026 World Cup? Donald Trump weighs in
WNBA: Players, union leaders divided, claims letter from 2-time MVP and 4-time All-Star
The post Falcons reportedly planning to release WR with $18.4M cap hit appeared first on The Big Lead.
Continue reading...
