When you think of NFL wide receivers who have made a big leap in their careers, Darnell Mooney stands out. He’s gone from a fifth-round draft pick to a key player for the Atlanta Falcons, proving that hard work and talent pay off.
This article covers his personal life, early days, professional journey, contract, salary, net worth, career earnings, and more. You’ll also get a detailed look at his NFL stats and answers to the most common questions about him.
Darnell Mooney’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Darnell Mooney |
| Date of Birth | October 29, 1997 |
| Age | 27 years old |
| Education | Gadsden City High School (Alabama), Tulane University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 180 lbs (82 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2020 (NFL Draft, Chicago Bears, 5th Round, 173rd pick) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $44.6 million |
| Salary | $9,510,000 (cash payout); $13M average annual value |
| Career Earnings | Over $23 million by end of 2024; over $44 million potential |
| Wife/Girlfriend | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Darnell Mooney grew up in Gadsden, Alabama, where he attended Gadsden City High School. He played both football and basketball for the Titans, showing his athletic talent from an early age.
Mooney was not just a standout in football; his basketball skills helped him develop the agility and quickness that would later help him on the football field. After high school, Mooney took his talents to Tulane University, where he played for the Green Wave.
At Tulane, he quickly made a name for himself as a reliable receiver. He led the team in receiving during both his junior and senior years, catching 48 passes each season and scoring a total of 19 touchdowns in his college career.
His speed was undeniable—he ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which caught the attention of scouts and set the stage for his professional career.
Professional Career
Darnell Mooney entered the NFL in 2020 when the Chicago Bears selected him in the fifth round. Many fifth-round picks struggle to make an impact, but Mooney quickly became a key part of the Bears’ offense.
In his rookie season, he played in all 16 games, catching 61 passes for 631 yards and four touchdowns. His breakout year came in 2021, when he became the Bears’ top receiver, hauling in 81 catches for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns. That season, he proved he could be a leading target in the NFL.
Over the next two seasons, Mooney’s production dipped due to injuries and changes in the Bears’ offense. Mooney signed with the Atlanta Falcons, looking for a fresh start.
He delivered, catching 64 passes for 992 yards and five touchdowns, just shy of a 1,000-yard season. Mooney has said he is focused more on winning games than on individual stats, showing his team-first attitude.
Darnell Mooney’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Darnell Mooney’s net worth is estimated to be around $44.6 million.
Contract
Mooney signed a three-year, $39 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The deal includes $26 million in guaranteed money, with a $15 million signing bonus.
This contract reflects the team’s belief in his ability to be a key playmaker and a downfield threat. The Falcons see Mooney as a perfect complement to their other offensive stars, and his contract secures him as a major part of their future plans.
Salary
For 2025, Mooney is set to earn a cash payout of $9,510,000. His average annual salary under the new contract is $13 million, a significant increase from his rookie deal with the Bears. The contract structure includes a base salary, signing bonus, and potential roster bonuses, ensuring Mooney is well compensated for his performance.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Chicago Bears | $610,000 | $282,052 | $941,756 |
| 2021 | Chicago Bears | $780,000 | — | $780,000 |
| 2022 | Chicago Bears | $895,000 | — | $895,000 |
| 2023 | Chicago Bears | $2,993,000 | — | $2,993,000 |
| 2024 | Atlanta Falcons | $2,000,000 | $15,000,000 | $17,510,000 |
| 2025 | Atlanta Falcons | $9,000,000 | — | $9,510,000 |
| 2026 | Atlanta Falcons | $10,970,000 | — | $11,980,000 |
| Total | Both Teams | $27,248,000 | $15,282,052 | $44,609,756 |
Career Stats
| Year | Team | Games | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Yards/Rec | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Chicago Bears | 16 | 61 | 631 | 10.3 | 4 |
| 2021 | Chicago Bears | 17 | 81 | 1,055 | 13.0 | 4 |
| 2022 | Chicago Bears | 12 | 40 | 493 | 12.3 | 2 |
| 2023 | Chicago Bears | 15 | 31 | 414 | 13.4 | 1 |
| 2024 | Atlanta Falcons | 16 | 64 | 992 | 15.5 | 5 |
| Career | Both Teams | 76 | 277 | 3,585 | 12.9 | 16 |
FAQs
1. What NFL teams have Darnell Mooney played for, and what is his current team?
Darnell Mooney started his NFL career with the Chicago Bears, who drafted him. He signed with the Atlanta Falcons, where he currently plays as a key wide receiver on their roster.
2. What was Darnell Mooney’s best season in the NFL so far?
Mooney’s best NFL season was with the Chicago Bears, when he recorded 81 receptions for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns. That year, he became the team’s top receiving threat.
3. How much is Darnell Mooney’s contract with the Atlanta Falcons worth?
Mooney signed a three-year, $39 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The deal includes $26 million in guaranteed money, making him one of the top earners among Falcons receivers.
4. What are Darnell Mooney’s strengths and weaknesses as a wide receiver?
Mooney is known for his exceptional speed and ability to make big plays after the catch, but he has faced criticism for his route running and occasional drops. His size limits him to certain roles on the field.
5. Is Darnell Mooney focused on individual stats or team success with the Falcons?
Mooney has publicly stated that he is more concerned with helping the Falcons win games than chasing personal milestones, even after narrowly missing a 1,000-yard receiving season. He values team success over individual achievements.
