Darnell Mooney accumulated 992 yards and five touchdowns during his debut season with the Atlanta Falcons after signing a three-year deal with the team. Though he fell just short of the 1,000-yard milestone, Mooney emphasized that his priority wasn’t personal stats but winning games. “I didn’t come here aiming for 1,000 yards,” Mooney shared with D. Orlando Red Better of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I came here to win. Being a top-tier receiver isn’t my goal—I’m here to help the team win.”
Mooney caught 64 passes in 2024, marking the second-highest reception total of his five-year pro career. He ranked second on the team in receiving yards, trailing only Drake London, who led with 1,271 yards in a breakout season. The Falcons finished the year with an 8-9 record, having lost six of their last eight games and slipping into a stretch of seven consecutive seasons without a .500 or better record.
Alongside Mooney’s signing, the Falcons boldly upgraded their offense by bringing in quarterback Kirk Cousins on a four-year, $180 million contract during the 2024 offseason. However, head coach Raheem Morris decided to bench Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., their eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While Cousins led the NFL with 16 interceptions and was tied for the most fumbles, Penix brought a fresh dynamic to the team.
Despite the Falcons’ late-season struggles, Mooney is optimistic about Penix’s contribution. “He throws the ball very far and has a strong arm,” Mooney said of Penix. “He can get the ball anywhere it’s needed. If he’s a bit late, he still makes the play.”
Penix and Mooney are focused on developing their chemistry going into the 2025 season. The Falcons will return key players, including London and others, aiming to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Fan Take: This story highlights the Falcons’ commitment to rebuilding through strategic player acquisitions and promising young talent, which gives fans hope for a resurgence. Mooney’s team-first mindset combined with Penix’s potential could signal the start of a new competitive era for Atlanta, exciting NFL fans looking for fresh contenders.
