Wide receiver Darnell Mooney is entering his second year with the Atlanta Falcons, focused on one primary objective: winning. “I didn’t come to Atlanta aiming for 1,000 yards,” Mooney said Friday. “I came here to win games. So, anyone who considers being a top-tier receiver the main goal has it wrong—I’m here to win.”
In the previous season, Mooney recorded 64 catches for 992 yards, averaging 15.5 yards per reception. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked 36th among wide receivers with an overall grade of 74.0. He missed one game due to a shoulder injury, specifically during an 18-week matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Reflecting on his 2024 performance, Mooney said, “I did well on deep routes. My goal is to catch the ball and make impactful plays—score touchdowns, beat defenders, and create exciting moments.”
Currently, Mooney is in the second year of a three-year, $39 million contract with the Falcons. He spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Chicago Bears (2020-23), highlighted by the 2021 season when he received 81 passes for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns.
Mooney is part of Atlanta’s receiving corps alongside Drake London, who had 100 receptions for 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024. The Falcons also boast star running back Bijan Robinson, who earned a Pro Bowl selection last season with 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns, along with 431 receiving yards.
Atlanta drafted quarterback Michael Penix Jr. from Washington State in 2024 with the eighth overall pick. The team alternated between Penix and veteran QB Geno Smith during the season but finished 8-9, missing the playoffs.
Despite this, Penix is seen as the future of Atlanta’s offense, and Mooney is optimistic about working with the young quarterback. “He has a strong arm and can throw the ball deep,” Mooney said. “He delivers the pass when needed and is never late on throws.”
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Fan Take: This update highlights the Falcons’ growing offensive potential with Mooney and Penix poised to make big impacts. For NFL fans, watching a rising receiving star like Mooney team up with a promising young quarterback signals exciting times ahead for Atlanta’s rebuild and the league’s competitiveness.
