The Chicago Bears’ selection of Darnell Mooney at 173rd overall in the fifth round of the 2020 draft sent waves of excitement through the fanbase. His impressive body control, nuanced route-running, and versatility, coupled with sure hands, hinted at a future standout.
The wide receiver demonstrated the promised skills in his early seasons, but amid the Bears’ rebuilding, he became a lost asset. The team now faces uncertainty regarding his future. It left fans and analysts pondering whether the once-promising receiver will find his place with the Bears or if his potential will be realized elsewhere in the competitive realm of the NFL.
Is Darnell Mooney leaving the Bears?
Darnell Mooney’s absence from the Bears’ lineup in Week 18 due to a season-ending concussion has raised questions about his future with the team. He is set to become a free agent, and the circumstances surrounding his departure from the squad seem increasingly probable.
The receiver’s unfortunate concussion, sustained during a clash with the Cardinals, sidelined him for the season finale. Yet, the Bears’ decision not to place him on injured reserve suggests lingering hope for his return, indicating the team’s continued interest in his talent and potential contributions.
The veteran earlier expressed interest in continuing with the Bears, saying, “I want to be here. I love Chicago. I love being here. So that answer is whatever it is after the season”, via NBC Sports Chicago.
Nevertheless, the dynamics of NFL free agency paint a complex picture for Darnell Mooney’s future. With his projected market value indicating a lucrative contract, it seems increasingly unlikely that the Bears will retain him under their roster. Spotrac’s estimations place his potential contract at a staggering $41,980,908 million over four years, signaling considerable interest from prospective suitors.
How did Mooney perform in the 2023 season?
Darnell Mooney experienced a notable downturn in his performance in the 2023 season compared to previous years. He finished the season with career lows in receptions (31), receiving yards (414), and receiving touchdowns (1).
One standout game for the WR came against the New Orleans Saints, where he recorded five receptions for 82 yards. It marked his season highs in both categories. However, this performance was an anomaly in an otherwise challenging season. He struggled to make a significant impact throughout the year, with his opportunities limited by various factors.
Part of the reason for Darnell Mooney’s diminished role could be attributed to the emergence of fellow receiver DJ Moore, who commanded much of the attention from signal-caller Justin Fields. The quarterback himself was grappling with uncertainty about his future in Chicago, complicating the offensive dynamics for Mooney and the Bears.
Comparing Mooney’s 2023 season to his previous performances highlights the stark contrast in his production. He posted significantly better numbers in 2022, with 61 receptions, 492 receiving yards, and two touchdowns in 12 games. He enjoyed his best season in 2021 by recording 81 receptions for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns.
