Fans believe Falcons ‘overpaid’ for Darnell Mooney after ex-Bears WR reportedly agrees to 3-year, $39M contract

The teams from the NFC South division didn’t do much well in the 2023 season. The Atlanta Falcons ranked third in the lackluster division with a 7-10 record. The team immediately sacked head coach Arthur Smith to introduce a new era.

Raheem Morris was named the Falcons 19th head coach back in January. Morris has already made a big move by signing Kirk Cousins to a lucrative deal. They have now added a playmaker for Cousins on Tuesday by signing wide receiver Darnell Mooney.

Falcons expected to sign Darnell Mooney

The Falcons have made a significant move ahead of the NFL free agency period by securing Darnell Mooney. According to reports from NFL Network, the wide receiver and the Falcons have reached an agreement on a lucrative three-year, $39 million deal, with $26 million guaranteed.

Mooney, formerly with the Chicago Bears, emerged as a standout player under the tenure of Ryan Pace. The Bears’ struggles in the NFC North, but he showcased his potential as a reliable target in the passing game. He ranked fourth in receiving yards for the Bears last season, tallying 414 yards on 34 receptions and scoring one touchdown.

However, the wide receiver’s role with the Bears had diminished over the past two seasons following an impressive 2021 campaign, where he tallied 81 catches and over 1,000 receiving yards. Nevertheless, his career stats reflect his consistency and potential, with 213 receptions, 2,593 yards, and 11 touchdowns in 60 games.

Entering his fifth season at just 26 years old, Darnell Mooney brings youth and experience to the Falcons’ offense. The team faced the departure of key receivers from the previous season and was in dire need of bolstering their offensive weapons. His addition complements former first-round pick Drake London. Pairing Mooney with Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson creates an intriguing lineup for Kirk Cousins to utilize.

Fans unimpressed with Darnell Mooney purchase

The recent acquisition of Darnell Mooney has stirred mixed reactions among fans, with many expressing disappointment over the terms of his contract. The footballer is now one of the league’s 24th highest-paid wide receivers. He commands a hefty annual salary of $13 million, with a substantial 66% guaranteed.

Some disillusioned fans labeled the deal as “overpaid.”

Criticism extended beyond individual opinions, as a netizen voiced concerns about the growing trend of fully guaranteed contracts potentially burdening teams financially.

A netizen wrote, “These huge, fully guaranteed amounts are going to bite some teams in the pocketbook.”

Comparisons to other players in similar pay brackets only fuel the debate further. Despite Mooney’s talent and potential, his statistics don’t necessarily justify the significant investment.

For instance, when compared with Gabe Davis of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who secured a contract with fewer zeros attached, Mooney’s numbers pale in comparison. Davis boasts a higher career touchdown count of 27 while Mooney recorded 11.

A user wrote, “Happy for him, but that’s a lot of money for mid.”

Many fans expressed happiness for Mooney. But there is an underlying sentiment that the price tag might be a tad steep for a player of his caliber. What’s your thought on this?