Falcons to Release Starting Wide Receiver Ahead of NFL Free Agency

Darnell Mooney, a 28-year-old veteran, will be cut by the Atlanta Falcons.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Atlanta Falcons are planning to release wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who has averaged over 13 yards per catch in each of the last three seasons. Mooney had a down year in 2025, recording 32 catches for 443 yards and 1 touchdown, a drastic drop from his 2024 season where he had 64 receptions for 992 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Falcons are also expected to release wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge, a former Pro Bowl special teams ace.

Why it matters

The Falcons' decision to release Mooney, a starting wide receiver, signals a shift in the team's offensive strategy ahead of free agency. Mooney's release will free up cap space, but the team will need to find a replacement to fill the void left by the veteran receiver.

The details

Mooney, who is still just 28 years old, has a salary cap hit of $18.4 million for the Falcons. By releasing him, the team will free up around $7.4 million while incurring a dead cap total of $11 million. Mooney suffered a shoulder injury during training camp that was more severe than initially reported, which may have contributed to his drop in production in 2025.

  • Mooney has appeared in 91 career games since entering the league as a fifth-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2020.
  • Mooney recorded 32 catches for 443 yards and 1 touchdown in the 2025 season, a drastic drop from his 2024 season where he had 64 receptions for 992 yards and 5 touchdowns.

The players

Darnell Mooney

A 28-year-old wide receiver who has spent the last two seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

KhaDarel Hodge

A former Pro Bowl special teams ace who has spent the last four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

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What they’re saying

“The Falcons are planning to release WR Darnell Mooney, sources say, with Mooney set to count $18.4M against the salary cap.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Falcons will need to find a replacement for Mooney in their receiving corps ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Falcons' decision to release Darnell Mooney, a starting wide receiver, highlights the team's need to restructure its offense and free up cap space ahead of free agency. This move could signal a shift in the team's strategy as they look to build a more competitive roster for the upcoming season.