Falcons' Make $18.4 Million Decision After Kirk Cousins Move

The decision reflects both financial realities and on-field production trends. Mooney was scheduled to carry an $18.4 million cap hit in 2026, and with no guaranteed money remaining on his contract, Atlanta determined that the cost outweighed the benefit. By releasing him, the Falcons will clear approximately $7.42 million in cap space while taking roughly $11 million in dead money.

Mooney joined Atlanta in 2024 after signing a three-year, $39 million deal following four productive seasons with the Chicago Bears. In his first season with the Falcons, the move appeared promising. He recorded 64 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdowns across 16 games, providing Atlanta with a reliable deep threat alongside star receiver Drake London.

However, the momentum did not carry over into the following season. Mooney’s production dipped sharply in 2025. He finished the year with just 32 receptions for 443 yards and one touchdown. He did not record a single game with more than 74 receiving yards and posted nine games with 25 yards or fewer.

Injuries also played a role. Mooney suffered a broken collarbone on the opening day of training camp, and his performance never fully returned to the level the Falcons expected. Despite 72 targets during the season, he finished with a catch rate of just 44.4 percent.

Over six NFL seasons split between Chicago and Atlanta, Mooney compiled 309 receptions for 4,087 yards and 18 touchdowns. His speed and field-stretching ability remained notable strengths, reflected in an average of over 13 yards per catch.

The release of Mooney also follows other expected cap-clearing moves tied to quarterback Kirk Cousins’ situation, part of a broader effort to reset the team’s financial outlook.

For Atlanta, the move signals a broader shift in roster building. With Drake London emerging as the team’s clear No. 1 receiver and the organization expected to explore both free agency and the draft, wide receiver has become a priority area.

The timing also adds another intriguing name to the free agent market. Mooney now joins a group of available receivers that includes Alec Pierce, Rashid Shaheed, Mike Evans, Romeo Doubs, Jauan Jennings, Jalen Nailor, Deebo Samuel, and Stefon Diggs.

While Mooney may not command the same contract he secured two years ago, his speed and experience could still appeal to teams searching for vertical playmaking.

For the Falcons, the focus now turns to rebuilding depth around London and shaping an offense capable of competing in a rapidly evolving NFC landscape.