Cleveland Browns
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Browns urged to pursue Darnell Mooney.
The Cleveland Browns could use some help at receiver, and the team could look at some cheap options in free agency.
Cleveland needs a No. 1 receiver, but the Browns could also look to just add more talent to the receiver room. Browns analyst Ernest Cova of FanSided urges the team to pursue former Atlanta Falcons receiver Darnell Mooney.
“The Browns have plenty of young talent at wide receiver but no bona-fide pass catchers,” Cova wrote. “This free-agency class isn’t particularly stacked with top-tier weapons, but they can still find valuable players for secondary roles.
“Considering that, they might turn their attention to one of Kevin Stefanski’s outcasts. Darnell Mooney isn’t likely to return to the Atlanta Falcons next season, and the Browns should at least consider making a run at him.”
Mooney projects to sign a two-year, $15.1 million deal this offseason, according to Spotrac. With the Browns, Mooney can be a reliable pass catcher for whoever is at quarterback. He can also be a stopgap for the receiver room for a year or two.
Mooney recorded 32 receptions for 443 yards and 1 touchdown last season, as it was a down year. The year prior, he had 64 receptions for 992 yards and 5 touchdowns. He’s gone over 1000 yards once in his career. But, even if he can contribute 750+ receiving yards, it’s worth the gamble for the Browns.
Mooney Would Raise Browns Floor
Although Mooney isn’t a flashy signing, he would be a key receiver for the team.
Cora believes Mooney would raise the Browns’ floor on offense as he would be another safe option for Cleveland.
“Mooney clearly isn’t a long-term solution at the position, but beggars can’t be choosers, and the Browns’ wide receiver corps is one of the worst in the game,” Cora added. “They need experienced players while younger guys like Isaiah Bond grow into their roles. …
“As things stand now, the Browns might be stuck with Jerry Jeudy for a little longer, and Harold Fannin Jr. will likely be the primary threat in the passing game. Still, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and doubling down with Mooney and a first-round wide receiver would significantly elevate the passing game’s floor, which should be the No. 1 priority for Monken.”
Mooney dealt with injuries in 2025. So, the Falcons opted to release him to free up $7.42 million in salary cap space, but also took on $11 million in dead money
Cleveland Needs More Weapons
The Browns’ offense struggled last season as Cleveland is looking to add some weapons.
Ahead of the start of the offseason, Browns general manager Andrew Berry said the team needs to add more weapons.
“I think we can add all across the offense to be honest,” Berry said. “We’re really pleased with some of the younger players we have. Jerry is gonna be a big part of it and we’re pleased with Isaiah’s (Bond) rookie year but that doesn’t mean we can’t add to the arsenal. Malachi (Corley), he carved out a nice role.”
Cleveland has been linked to adding receivers through free agency and the draft. But, as of right now, the Browns haven’t been able to land one.