The Atlanta Falcons have been active so far during the NFL offseason. They signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a lucrative contract on Day 1 of free agency. On Day 2, they signed wide receiver Darnell Mooney to a three-year, $39 million contract.
Mooney was one of the top wide receivers on the open market. Atlanta was searching for another playmaker on offense to go alongside Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson. They found their man in Mooney.
What is the fantasy football impact of the Atlanta Falcons signing Darnell Mooney?
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Darnell Mooney to the Falcons: Fantasy Football Impact
Mooney had a breakout 2021 season which saw him gain over 1,000 receiving yards on 140 targets and a 26% target share. Since then, Mooney has been more of an afterthought. He hasn’t surpassed 40 receptions or 500 yards in either of the last two years.
Despite this, we have to remember this is not a player lacking talent.
WHAT A CATCH FROM DARNELL MOONEY!!!
🎥: @NFL
pic.twitter.com/xTHp3bOf7X— Bears Talk (@NBCSBears) October 9, 2022
Mooney brings game-changing speed and is a legitimate vertical threat for the Falcons offense.
While he fits nicely with Atlanta from a schematic standpoint, there were better landing spots available for Mooney when it comes to his fantasy football value. He does get a nice quarterback upgrade with Cousins. However, he faces significant target competition in Atlanta with the aforementioned London and Pitts in a suddenly crowded Falcons receiving room.
At this stage in his career and with this landing spot, we have probably seen the best Mooney can offer from a fantasy football standpoint. It’s unlikely we ever see him repeat his numbers from his sophomore season. Mooney will be more of a WR3 or flex player in fantasy leagues. There would be room for more upside if there were an injury to London or Pitts at some point.
Mooney will be more of a late-round pick in drafts come August. He will probably be a better option in best ball formats than in traditional lineup leagues.
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