During the 2026 NFL offseason, the New York Giants have made it a priority to surround soon-to-be sophomore quarterback Jaxson Dart with as much talent as possible. On the fourth day of free agency, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reported that the team added another weapon, signing 28-year-old wide receiver Darnell Mooney.
Giants Add Explosive WR Sparking Reactions from Fans
On Saturday afternoon, Fowler announced that Mooney, a former Falcon and Bear, plans to sign with the Giants. He noted, “More speed on the way for Jaxson Dart.”
Moments later, National Insider Ian Rapoport reiterated the report and added that the contract would be a one-year deal worth up to $10M.
Giants Daily, on X, shared his thoughts on the move, writing: “Another weapon for Jaxson Dart.”
Meanwhile, Pat Leonard, an NFL columnist, Giants beat writer, and host of the podcast Talkin’ Ball with Pat Leonard, stated, “This is the cheaper, veteran way of going the Tyquan Thornton route. So Giants now have added Calvin Austin III and Mooney at receiver.”
The Clem Report, a writer and podcaster at Barstool Sports, gave his opinion on the newest acquisition, “Don’t like it. Love it.”
Bleacher Nation Bears, a massive Chicago Bears supporter on X, chimed in as well. He wrote: “Darnell Mooney and Matt Nagy reunite in The Big Apple.”
Mooney, who spent his first two NFL seasons playing under Nagy in Chicago, totaled 1686 receiving yards and 9 scores. Notably, his sophomore campaign included 81 receptions and 1,055 yards, posting career highs in both categories.
Unfortunately, after Nagy’s exit in early 2022, Mooney has yet to find that same success. In two more seasons with Chicago, as well as two with Atlanta, Mooney once again failed to reach the 1,000-yard mark.
Most disappointingly, this past season, Mooney recorded a 64.3 WR Impact Score, earning a D grade according to PFSN’s receiving metrics.
However, now back with his former head coach, Nagy could very well unlock Mooney in the Big Apple. Additionally, the recent departure of fourth-year WR Wan’Dale Robinson makes it all the more likely.
Robinson, who recorded 92 catches and 1,014 yards out of the slot, leaves a major void for Mooney to fill.
Between head coach John Harbaugh, quarterback Jaxson Dart, pass catchers Malik Nabers, Isaiah Likely, and Mooney, along with a solid offensive line, the New York Giants will be a team to monitor in the NFC East as they aim to win their first division title since 2011.
