Depending on your location, you’ll perceive these deals differently. If your area code is 678, 404, or 770, you might see them as reasonable, but if you’re from New Orleans, Tampa Bay, or elsewhere, you might view the players as overpaid.
In a sense, everyone has a point. According to Bleacher Report, Mooney’s recent three-year contract valued at $39 million with $26 million guaranteed is not just a questionable deal, but it’s deemed one of the worst signings of this offseason.
At first glance, their argument seems valid. Paying $13 million annually for a player who only managed 414 receiving yards last season might seem extravagant. However, it’s not so straightforward. Teams don’t base contracts solely on past performance; they’re investing in future potential.
Last season, Justin Fields, in his 13 starts, completed only 61.4% of his passes and averaged less than 200 passing yards per game. Given these stats, it’s understandable that Mooney’s numbers weren’t exceptional. Fields’ performance in the prior season, with 15 starts, yielded an average of fewer than 150 passing yards per game, leaving limited opportunities for Chicago’s receivers.
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Mooney’s $13 million annual salary reflects his potential impact, especially considering Kirk Cousins’ ability to distribute the ball effectively in Minnesota. In Minnesota, second-tier wide receivers consistently surpassed 800 receiving yards per season. Additionally, advanced metrics support Mooney’s effectiveness despite subpar quarterback performance; he ranked third among top free agents in creating separation against single-man coverage.
🚨Nerd Alert🚨
Darnell Mooney is going to feast with Kirk Cousins and the Falcons, don't listen to people who say it was an overpay pic.twitter.com/lFMWmDzv3b— SportsTalkATL Alex (@GeauxSportsTalk) March 12, 2024
Moreover, it’s worth noting that 40% of the deep passes targeted towards Mooney in the past have been inaccurate. However, his new quarterback presents a different scenario, being on the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of accuracy and potentially offering Mooney better opportunities to capitalize on deep passes.
nearly 40% of deep targets to Darnell Mooney have been inaccurate in his career
over that span the #1 most accurate QB on deep targets (20+ yards downfield) is Mooney's new QB:
Kirk Cousins
READ:https://t.co/eyBAf68Q34 pic.twitter.com/aEVJ9TELjc
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 12, 2024
Mooney isn’t the sole target of scrutiny; Kirk Cousins’ contract is also drawing attention. While many hail the Falcons’ decision to sign the veteran to a substantial $180 million deal as the offseason’s standout move, Pro Football Network, as mentioned by Chase, holds a different opinion. Time will tell which perspective proves accurate, but I’m inclined to believe that Terry Fontenot, who has excelled in free agency, scored a major win this offseason.
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