The Atlanta Falcons have released wide receiver Darnell Mooney, freeing up $7.42 million in salary cap space while taking on $11 million in dead money. Mooney, 28, struggled through injuries in 2025, catching just 32 passes for 443 yards and one touchdown after breaking his collarbone in training camp. The move comes after his first season with Atlanta proved to be his most productive.

Mooney joined the Falcons in 2024 from the Chicago Bears, where he had his best NFL season in 2021 with 81 catches for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns. His 2024 campaign with Atlanta was arguably his career best, hauling in 64 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdowns as a complement to top receiver Drake London. The Falcons also released KhaDarel Hodge, a former Pro Bowl special teams player.

Mooney was due a $500,000 roster bonus if still on the team by the fifth day of the league year. The veteran receiver was drafted by Chicago in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His release signals Atlanta's commitment to reshaping their receiving corps after a disappointing 2025 season plagued by injuries.