Trending Now - Falcons Release Darnell Mooney, Restructure Andersen's Deal

WHO:

Atlanta Falcons

Darnell Mooney, wide receiver

Troy Andersen, inside linebacker

KhaDarel Hodge, wide receiver

WHAT:

The Atlanta Falcons released wide receiver Darnell Mooney.

The Falcons restructured Troy Andersen's rookie contract.

The Falcons also released KhaDarel Hodge.

Mooney recorded 32 catches, 443 yards, and one touchdown in 2025.

Mooney broke his collarbone on the first day of training camp in 2025 and missed Week 1.

Mooney missed two additional games due to a hamstring injury.

The release of Mooney frees up $7.42 million in salary cap space for the Falcons.

The Falcons incur $11 million in dead money from Mooney's release.

Mooney would have received a $500,000 roster bonus if he remained with the Falcons on March 10th, 2026.

In 2024, Mooney had 64 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns.

Mooney was signed by the Falcons in the 2024 offseason from the Chicago Bears.

Andersen was a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Andersen had a career-best 16 tackles in a game against New Orleans on October 1st, 2024.

Andersen was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in that game.

Andersen missed the entire 2025 season due to injury.

WHERE:

Flowery Branch, Georgia

WHEN:

The Falcons announced the release of Mooney on March 9th, 2026.

Mooney was drafted in 2020.

Andersen's pick-six occurred on October 1st, 2024.

Andersen was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list before training camp in 2025.

WHY:

The Falcons released Mooney to free up salary cap space.

HOW:

The Falcons restructured Andersen's contract as part of their roster management strategy.

(UPDATED March 9, 2026 23:09 UTC)

Today, the Atlanta Falcons announced the release of wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who recorded 32 catches for 443 yards and one touchdown last season, freeing up $7.42 million in salary cap space. The team also released KhaDarel Hodge and restructured the contract of inside linebacker Troy Andersen, who missed the entire 2025 season due to injury. Mooney, who was signed from the Chicago Bears in 2024, faced challenges last season, including a broken collarbone and a hamstring injury that limited his play.