Falcons to Release WR Darnell Mooney for Cap Space

The Atlanta Falcons are set to release wide receiver Darnell Mooney ahead of the NFL free agency period, a move aimed at creating salary cap flexibility for the 2026 season. The decision, first reported by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, will save the team approximately 18.4 million in cap space, though it comes with 11 million in dead money. Mooney, a 28-year-old veteran, had been under a three-year, 39 million contract signed with Atlanta in March 2024.

Mooney's time with the Falcons spanned two seasons, during which he appeared in 31 games and recorded 96 catches for 1,435 yards and six touchdowns. His 2024 campaign was a highlight, with 64 receptions for 992 yards and five scores, marking his highest yardage total since 1,055 yards in 2021 with the Chicago Bears. However, production dipped sharply in 2025, as he managed just 32 catches for 443 yards and one touchdown over 15 games. Team officials noted that a shoulder injury sustained in training camp, more severe than initially disclosed, likely hampered his performance throughout the year.

Originally selected by the Bears in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Mooney has played in 91 career games, accumulating 309...