The Atlanta Falcons seem to be undergoing an offensive overhaul as the franchise enters the Kevin Stefanski era.
The planned major roster moves began when it was announced that the Falcons plan to release quarterback Kirk Cousins, who started 22 games for the franchise over the past two seasons. And now, another offensive starter appears to be on the chopping block as reports indicate the Falcons also plan to release wide receiver Darnell Mooney.
Mooney is set to count $18.4 million against the salary cap for the organization, as he had signed a three-year, $39 million contract with the Falcons that has one season remaining. However, Mooney had no guaranteed money remaining on his contract, and the Falcons will save $7.42 million on the cap with $11 million in dead money by making the move.
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Mooney came to the Falcons after spending his first four seasons with the Chicago Bears, and finished his first season in Atlanta in 2024 with 992 receiving yards and five touchdowns, making 16 starts. But despite starting 15 games last season for the Falcons, Mooney’s production dropped as he finished with just 443 receiving yards and one touchdown.
But Mooney will be a seventh-year NFL veteran this coming season and has made 80 starts over his career – including 9 or more in every season he’s played. That starting experience is valuable, and he’ll likely find a home with ease in free agency.
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Falcons set to part ways with starting WR in major roster move