FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons are over the "moon" after signing free agent wide receiver Darnell Mooney to a three-year contract.
Mooney, 26, was originally selected by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round (173rd overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Tulane.
"He caught 213 passes for 2,593 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns in addition to 59 rushing yards on 13 carries (4.5 avg.) and one rushing touchdown in 60 games (49 starts) over four seasons for the Bears," the release stated.
Mooney, a native of Gadsden, Alabama, set a career-high in 2021, totaling 81 receptions, 1,055 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns. The 26-year-old also had 31 receptions for 414 yards, one receiving touchdown, and a single-season career-high 13.4 yards per reception in 15 games for the Bears last season.
Mooney's best season came under quarterback Andy Dalton, who fits the bill as a pocket passer, much like new signee Kirk Cousins. Georgia native Justin Fields was Mooney's signal caller for the past two seasons, who is not known for his air prowess.
According to an ESPN report, the Falcons agreed to sign Mooney to a three-year, $39 million deal, which includes a guarantee of $26 million.
Mooney's announcement comes after the Falcons signed their new quarterback, four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins. The NFL is still investigating whether the Falcons violated tampering policies in the signing of Cousins.