Before getting into free agency, GM Ryan Poles has work to do regarding the Chicago Bears’ current crop of players with expiring contracts. He is certain to focus on what to do with Jaylon Johnson first. The Pro Bowl cornerback had his best season last year and needs a new deal. Poles must get him extended otherwise he could see the franchise tag. After that, decisions must be made on other key names like Yannick Ngakoue, Justin Jones, Lucas Patrick, Marcedes Lewis, Robert Tonyan, and D’Onta Foreman. However, there is one notable name that might be getting overlooked.
At one point, Darnell Mooney was viewed as a rising star. He cracked 1,000 yards in 2021, showcasing his excellent mix of route-running skills and blazing speed. However, the past two years have been frustrating for him, managing only 907 yards and three touchdowns. Many people have written him off as a flash in the pan. However, former Bears scout Greg Gabriel wrote on Windy City Gridiron that the Bears may look to keep him, believing a retooled coaching staff under offensive coordinator Shane Waldron would help.
“I realize I may be in the minority, but it would not surprise me if the Bears brought back Mooney on a team-friendly deal. In his first two seasons in the League, Mooney caught 142 passes for 1686 yards and eight touchdowns. There is no way I am going to believe that he could not suddenly play. The talent is there, as well as his 4.38 speed. Regardless of his lack of production, he could be a hot commodity in the free agent market. Team scouts will ask the same question as I did and wonder why there was a drop-off. They may come to the same conclusion in that it was the coach and not the player.”
Retaining Mooney makes some sense for Ryan Poles.
Despite the lowered production, the receiver still had strong moments last season. He had a big game against the Saints in New Orleans with 82 yards. It has always felt like Mooney never had a strong connection with quarterback Justin Fields. Most of his standout production in 2021 came when Andy Dalton was under center. Once Luke Getsy took over as offensive coordinator, his targets also dipped significantly. It’s not like Mooney suddenly became less talented. He was never meant to play in that offense.
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Waldron’s arrival could be the lifeline he needs. One thing about the new Bears coordinator is he loves to attack defenses vertically. Seattle ranked 4th, 8th, and 11th in yards per pass attempt during his three years there. He had two down-the-field threats in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett and wasn’t afraid to use them. Keeping Mooney with his 4.38 speed would make sense. He, along with D.J. Moore and likely a top 10 pick in the upcoming draft, would have the makings of a dangerous receiving corps.
Does Mooney actually want to stay? That is a different conversation. Ryan Poles will need a convincing argument.
