Darnell Mooney missed the final two games of the Chicago Bears' 2023-2024 and one of the prevailing thoughts once the dust settled on the campaign was that Mooney had played his final game in a Bears' uniform.
Through Mooney's first two seasons of his career, the former fifth-round pick was an ascension toward becoming the primary receiver in the Bears' system. Mooney eclipsed over 1,000 receiving yards for the Bears during the 2021 season but was slow to adjust to the new offensive scheme of Luke Getsy in 2022.
Mooney's 2022 season ended prematurely due to an ankle injury requiring surgery. Despite being ready at the start of last season, the former Tulane standout appeared to be slow in his ability to run routes to open the season.
Mooney was limited to only 31 receptions last season and one touchdown, while there was speculation toward the final months that he was upset over his role in the offense.
Given the financial flexibility that the Bears have to target a free-agent wide receiver such as Mike Evans or Calvin Ridley, it would seem unlikely that the team is interested in bringing Mooney back, even if it is on a discounted deal.
Mooney's free agency status was one of the final things Dan Wiederer touched on while wrapping up his coverage of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
On a lower-profile note, some chatter in Indy from folks eager to see where WR Darnell Mooney lands in a week and a half.
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) March 2, 2024
There’s a small buzz on the possibility of Mooney having a resurgent 2024 at a great value price. Multiple people suggested KC.
Mooney flourished under Matt Nagy's system and given the need that the Kansas City Chiefs have at the wide receiver position, a reunion with his former head coach may be the likely scenario. With Rashee Rice emerging as the leading possession receiver for the Chiefs, Mooney could serve in a role that the team envisioned for Kadarius Toney. Toney was a healthy scratch in the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers, signaling the team is ready to put an end to the reclamation project.