When the Falcons signed Darnell Mooney to a three-year, $39 million free agent contract this offseason, the overwhelming response was that Atlanta overpaid.
Though it’s still early in his tenure, just five games, the investment in Mooney has already paid massive dividends. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we?
Asked around Chicago if Falcons overpaid for Darnell Mooney; answer was yes. "He'll be better with Kirk Cousins than with Fields, but he didn't get enough separation in Chicago last couple years."
Maybe a change of scenery can get him back to 2021 form of 81 grabs & 1,055 yards.
— Knox Bardeen (@knoxbardeen) March 12, 2024
https://twitter.com/InHarmsWay19/status/1767576944147619847
It wasn’t just national pundits around the league who were skeptical of the signing; Falcons fans and pundits were also questioning the decision.
I don't know anyone who considers Mooney "a top wide WR"… https://t.co/Ybtlw2RpNP
— MikeBell929 (@MikeBellATL) March 12, 2024
$13 million a year is too much for Mooney. He shows flashes, one year got 1,000 yards. Fast capable of climbing the ladder, tough catches. Last two years though missed games; finished with 400 yards each. Now on a more vertical offense in ATL, not bad but Id rather draft a WR2 https://t.co/3mEvHBJf2L
— JazzyJeffRealTalk (@JazzyJeffRealT1) March 12, 2024
Through five games, Mooney has recorded 330 yards and three touchdowns on 24 receptions. He’s second in yards and receptions behind Drake London and tied for the team leader in receiving touchdowns. Hindsight is always 20/20, but I’m going to have to pat myself on the bat with this one.
From my article following the Darnell Mooney signing:
On the surface, they’re right. $13 million per year for a guy coming off a 414-yard campaign is quite rich, right? Well, it’s not that simple. Teams don’t give players contracts because of what they did in the past. They are focused on the future.
In 13 starts, Justin Fields completed just 61.4% of his passes and less than 200 yards per game last year. Of course, Mooney wasn’t going to put up gaudy numbers. Fields started 15 games the year prior, averaging less than 150 yards per game on 60.4% passing. Less than 150 yards per game to go around for all of Chicago’s pass catchers.
Darnell Mooney is being paid $13 million per year because Kirk Cousins gets his guys the ball. In Minnesota, WR2s regularly reached 800 yards in a season. Moreover, the advanced metrics back up Mooney’s situation with bad quarterback play. Among top free agents from this year’s offseason, he ranked third at getting open vs. single man coverage.
The Falcons and their fans, even those who were skeptical at first, are certainly happy with their investment in Darnell Mooney. He’s rewarding them, but Mooney himself must also be enjoying this campaign as well.
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