Former Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney made headlines in the offseason by signing a three-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons worth $39 million. This move adds him to an already impressive offensive group alongside Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Rondale Moore, the latter of whom was traded for on Thursday. Additionally, Kirk Cousins, who recently joined the Falcons, admitted to recruiting Mooney to the team during his introductory press conference.
Cousins emphasized the importance of winning during the recruitment process, a sentiment that resonated with Mooney, who expressed his desire to win. This desire for success may stem from Mooney’s experiences with the Bears, where he endured a tough road, going 24-43 in his first four NFL seasons under two different head coaches.
Despite reportedly receiving a three-year, $30 million offer to return to the Bears in 2023, Mooney declined in favor of betting on himself. His decision paid off when he secured a $39 million contract with the Falcons, earning $9 million more than what was offered by the Bears.
Mooney’s statistics in recent years, with less than 500 receiving yards and only three touchdowns in each of the last two seasons, may seem modest. However, both the Falcons and Cousins believe that Mooney’s potential was hindered by broader issues within the Bears organization.
Cousins, who faced Mooney twice a season while playing for the Vikings, was convinced of Mooney’s abilities and actively recruited him to Atlanta. The shared focus on winning and the belief in Mooney’s talent were key factors in his decision to join the Falcons.
As the Falcons gear up for the upcoming season, Cousins acknowledged that success must be proven on the field. However, he expressed confidence in the team’s potential, citing the presence of talented pieces like Mooney.
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