Darnell Mooney missed the final two games of the Chicago Bears’ 2023-2024 season, and once the dust settled, it was widely assumed that Mooney had played his final game in a Bears uniform.
Mooney, a former fifth-round pick, rose to become the Bears’ top receiver during the course of his first two seasons. Mooney exceeded 1,000 receiving yards with the Bears during the 2021 season, but was sluggish to acclimate to Luke Getsy’s new offensive plan in 2022.
Mooney’s 2022 season ended prematurely due to an ankle injury that necessitated surgery. Despite being ready at the start of last season, the former Tulane standout appeared to be slow to run routes early in the season.
Mooney was limited to 31 catches and one touchdown last season, and there was suspicion in the latter months that he was unhappy with his role in the system.
Given the Bears’ financial ability to pursue a free-agent wide receiver like Mike Evans or Calvin Ridley, it appears unlikely that the team would be interested in bringing Mooney back, even on a discounted contract.
Mooney’s free agency status was one of the last topics Dan Wiederer discussed while ending up his coverage of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis
Mooney thrived in Matt Nagy’s system, and given the Kansas City Chiefs’ need at wide receiver, a reunion with his old head coach seems likely. With Rashee Rice developing as the Chiefs’ main possession receiver, Mooney might fill the position that the team envisioned for Kadarius Toney. Toney was a healthy scratch in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl triumph over the San Francisco 49ers, indicating that the franchise is ready to call an end to the reclamation project.
