The Atlanta Falcons reportedly plan to release veteran wide receiver Darnell Mooney. He will officially become an unrestricted free agent on March 11, and his ties to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are notably strong.
New Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson spent the past two campaigns serving in the same position in Atlanta. Tampa Bay's incoming pass game coordinator, T.J. Yates, held various roles with the Falcons from 2021 through 2025. Put two and two together, and it's easy to see Mooney following suit.
Of course, much of the Buccaneers' need for another pass-catcher centers around franchise legend Mike Evans, who's set to hit the open market this offseason. He figures to have several suitors, with Tampa Bay making a strong push to retain him. However, if nothing else, Mooney presents an intriguing backup option.
Buccaneers presented with interesting non-Mike Evans free agent WR after Falcons release Darnell Mooney
It's not uncommon for players to follow coaches to their next stop(s), and vice versa. Mooney's familiarity with the Bucs' revamped staff at least brings up the conversation of a potential partnership. He showed comfort in Robinson's scheme — with Yates being a key part of the aerial attack — in Atlanta.
Plus, as the Bucs have learned the hard way, you can never have too many wideouts. They were ravaged by injuries at the position from top to bottom this past season. This forced unheralded depth pieces, like now 33-year-old Sterling Shepard and seventh-round rookie Tez Johnson, to take on larger workloads than expected.
Mooney would be a meaningful upgrade as the fourth or fifth option on Tampa Bay's depth chart. He's a former 1,000-yard receiver who finished eight yards short of reaching the mark a second time in 2024. Shoulder and hamstring injuries derailed him in what went down as his final year with the Falcons, though his proven upside may be worth chasing.
Given his experience with Robinson and Yates, Tampa Bay might be particularly inclined to pursue Mooney, which rings especially true if Evans leaves. The Bucs have already taken a couple pages out of their NFC South rival Falcons' book; what's one more?
Conversely, coming off a down, banged-up season, Mooney figures to have to settle for a one-year "prove-it" deal. He will have to restore his value after reeling in 32 of 72 targets for 443 yards and a touchdown in 15 games. With that in mind, why not return to the well and join Robinson and Yates in Tampa Bay?