{"id":796400,"date":"2026-03-06T15:14:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T15:14:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/796400\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T15:14:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T15:14:16","slug":"3-best-landing-spots-for-darnell-mooney-following-release-from-atl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/796400\/","title":{"rendered":"3 best landing spots for Darnell Mooney following release from ATL"},"content":{"rendered":"

We know that the last two years haven\u2019t gone according to plan for the Atlanta Falcons. It certainly makes sense then that they are looking to turn the page and move forward. This off-season, that included the release of Darnell Mooney after two years in Atlanta. In his first year, Mooney had a strong season with 64 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns. Last year, Mooney took a legit step back as he finished with 32 catches for 443 yards and just one touchdown.<\/p>\n

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At age 28, Mooney still has a lot to offer. He does have a 1,000-yard season under his belt, and in the right situation, Mooney can still make an impact. Ultimately, as with most receivers, Mooney needs to find his way into a stable situation. If and when that happens, it wouldn\u2019t be surprising to see him eclipse his career high of five touchdowns and 1,055 yards. So now, where do we expect him to play in 2026? Let\u2019s take a look at three teams where Mooney could fit in well.<\/p>\n

New York Jets<\/p>\n

\"\"Sep 19, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) scores a 3rd quarter touchdown in front of New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (0) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

To put it simply, the Jets need everything. They do have Garrett Wilson, but he needs help. New York also needs a quarterback, but who will he throw to? New York also has plenty of salary cap space, and coming off a down season, Mooney shouldn\u2019t be too expensive. He could be a solid signing that helps to make the Jets more respectable.<\/p>\n

New York Giants<\/p>\n

\"NewNabers says he\u2019s all good after Thursday night\u2019s injury scare | Julian Leshay Guadalupe\/NorthJersey.com \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Things are certainly moving in the right direction for the Giants. They have their quarterback and their coach, but there\u2019s still a lot of work to be done. Even assuming that Malik Nabers comes back at full strength, he\u2019ll need a big target to complement him on the other side of the field. Mooney can help here.<\/p>\n

New England Patriots<\/p>\n

\"DrakeNew England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) reacts after defeating the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t fit the Patriots narrative to spend big at the wide receiver position. However, after New England released Stefon Diggs, there is a need for a veteran presence. With Drake Maye under center, and entering his third season, this could be a favorable spot for Mooney.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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