Falcons' new WR named one of free agency's biggest 'head-scratchers'

A new era is beginning in Atlanta and it started with the signing of veteran QB Kirk Cousins, who agreed to a four-year, $180 million deal with the team in free agency. However, it is the signing of one of Cousins' new playmakers that has some scratching their heads.

NFL Network's Cynthia Frelund named the Falcons' addition of wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who signed a three-year, $39 million deal, one of free agency's biggest "head-scratchers."

"I understand targeting speed to complement Atlanta's other pass catchers and give new Falcons QB Kirk Cousins a number of options to choose from," Frelund writes. "However, last season, the wideout caught just 30.8 percent of his downfield targets (10-plus air yards), one of the lowest figures in the NFL."

It's a telling statistic, but one that could just be a product of Mooney operating in one of the NFL's worst passing offenses. In 2023, the Bears averaged the sixth-least passing yards per game (182.1).

Mooney's production didn't just take a dip last season, however. In fact, the 26-year-old has eclipsed 650 receiving yards just once in his career.

That came in 2021 when he had a career-high 81 catches for 1,055 yards. That is the production Atlanta is obviously hoping it can get out of him, but it's a costly gamble.

Mooney will get opportunities, especially being paid at an average of $13 million per year, but it remains to be seen how many.

The Falcons already have talented pass-catchers Drake London and Kyle Pitts while running back Bijan Robinson had 86 targets as a rookie last season. Mooney could end up being the third or maybe even fourth option in the passing game.

If that's the case, Frelund is right that it's a "hefty price to pay." Maybe the better route for Atlanta would have been using its No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which is loaded with wide receiver talent, to add another playmaker instead.