4 upcoming free agents the Bears should let walk in 2024
By Ryan Heckman
![Chicago Bears, Darnell Mooney Chicago Bears, Darnell Mooney](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3744,h_2106,x_0,y_159/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/60/01hj95h0m6pxzazf5b4a.jpg)
4. Darnell Mooney, WR
This might be controversial, but the Bears can afford to let Darnell Mooney go. I have a gut feeling that Mooney is going to want more money than the Bears are willing to pay him. In addition, I believe the Bears will draft a wide receiver within the top three rounds to pair with D.J. Moore. Here's to hoping that wide receiver's first name happens to be Marvin.
Mooney has been better than anyone could have expected as a fifth-round pick back in 2020. But, this year has hurt his stock. Moore, of course, has become the focal point of the passing game. But, tight end Cole Kmet has also absorbed far more targets this year, thus knocking Mooney down firmly as the no. 3 option.
I also think the Bears need to find themselves a big-bodied wide receiver as their second fiddle to Moore. If they were to come away with someone like Keon Coleman, Rome Odunze or of course, Marvin Harrison Jr., that would be the ideal scenario.
Mooney will find work elsewhere, without a problem, but I don't see the Bears wanting to pay him the money he'll want. If he's willing to come back as a no. 3 receiver, then sure. But, that won't happen.
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