Darnell Mooney
Getty
Darnell Mooney has been ruled out for the Falcons season-opener against the Buccaneers
The Atlanta Falcons are making crucial decisions before free agency starts. The Falcons are expected to release veteran Wide Receiver Darnell Mooney.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Falcons intend to release the veteran wideout who was going to count $18.4 million against their 2026 salary cap.
The Atlanta Falcons announced quarterback Kirk Cousins will be released at the start of the league year. Cousins, 37, would seem likely to be designated as a post-June 1 release. Now that Darnell Mooney is expected to be released, the move will clear up more cap space for the Atlanta Falcons.
Cutting Mooney Is a Cap Space Decision
“Combining the expected savings from Mooney and Cousins will get the Falcons up to $16.5 million in cap space.” Adam Wells wrote in a Bleacher Report article.
“There are other levers the Falcons can pull to open up financial flexibility if they choose to do. Jake Matthews, Chris Lindstrom, Jessie Bates III and A.J. Terrell have the top four cap hits on the team, not counting Cousins since he won’t be on the roster next week. The Falcons could create up to $40.6 million if they were to restructure the deals for all four of those players.”
With Mooney expected to be released, he will be added to a long list of wide receivers who will be free agents this offseason. Notable names in free agency are Tyreek Hill, Romeo Doubs, Marquis Brown, Rashid Shaheed, Stefon Diggs, Alec Pierce, Mike Evans and Wan’Dale Robinson.
Atlanta could very well sign one of these notable names to replace Mooney. The team will be primarily looking for a solid number 2 receiver to go along with Drake London.
The Falcons offense will remain loaded with or without Mooney. Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson all remain in Atlanta. Though the quarterback position is a question mark, the team has tremendous upside.
Darnell Mooney’s Career With the Atlanta Falcons
The 28-year-old veteran receiver had an impressive stint with the Atlanta Falcons. Mooney recorded 1,435 yards and six touchdowns in 31 games over the past two seasons.
However, Mooney only had 443 yards and one touchdown during the 2025 season. In 2024, he hauled in 64 catches recording 992 yards and five touchdowns.
“It’s important to note that Mooney suffered a shoulder injury during training camp that was more severe than the team initially let on. He never appeared to be 100 percent last season, which undoubtedly impacted his production.” Matt Urben wrote in a Falcons Wire article.
Mooney signed a signed a three-year, $39 million deal with Atlanta as a free agent in March of 2024. Since entering the league as a fifth-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2020, Darnell Mooney has appeared in 91 career games. He has recorded 309 catches for 4,028 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.
With Mooney’s release all but certain, the Falcons will be on the hunt for another wide receiver through free agency or the NFL draft. Given the amount of talent being in NFL free agency this year, Atlanta could make appealing offers. With cap space being available, many will wonder what Atlanta’s next move is going to be.