The Atlanta Falcons are planning to release wide receiver Darnell Mooney, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The roster move comes as teams begin making significant cuts ahead of the official start of the new league year on March 11.
Mooney, 28, was set to count $18.4 million against the salary cap for the 2026 season. Per Rapoport, the release will save the Falcons approximately $7.42 million in cap space while resulting in an $11 million dead money charge. The veteran wideout had no remaining guaranteed money on the three-year, $39 million contract he signed with Atlanta in 2024.
The decision follows a statistical decline during the 2025 campaign. After a strong debut season in Atlanta where he recorded 64 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns, Mooney finished last season with just 32 receptions for 443 yards and one score. Despite the recent dip in production, he has averaged better than 13 yards per catch in each of the last three seasons.
With Mooney expected to hit the open market, Atlanta is now looking to bolster a wide receiver room currently headlined by Drake London. The Falcons also recently utilized the franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts as the organization continues to restructure its offense under the 2026 salary cap.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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