Former Chicago Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney has found a new home.
Mooney is expected to sign with the Atlanta Falcons, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, reuniting with former Bears general manager Ryan Pace, who drafted him. Mooney will also join new quarterback Kirk Cousins in what’s already a stacked group in Atlanta.
It’s a three-year, $39 million deal worth $26 million fully guaranteed for Mooney.
Mooney joins a Falcons skill position group that already includes receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson.
Mooney, a former fifth-round pick by the Bears in 2020, had a solid start to his NFL career, which included eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards in his second season. In 60 career games, Mooney totaled 213 receptions for 2.593 yards with 11 touchdowns.
Sources: The #Falcons are signing #Bears WR Darnell Mooney, giving them a key new playmaker for Kirk Cousins.
Mooney gets a 3-year, $39M deal with $26M fully guaranteed in a contract negotiated by David Mulugheta and AJ Stevens of @AthletesFirst. A top WR off the board. pic.twitter.com/EgWKYhY0b7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2024
Unfortunately, the past couple of seasons were a bit of a disappointment for Mooney, where he failed to hit that 1,00-yard mark in those two seasons combined. Now, Mooney gets a fresh start where he joins a loaded offensive group with the Falcons.
Meanwhile, the Bears are projected to receive a 2025 fourth-round compensatory pick for Mooney. With Chicago one spot behind Atlanta, the Bears are in a prime position to land a top wide receiver (if they fall) in the NFL draft with the Falcons not in need of a receiver.