The New York Giants underwent a slew of changes during the offseason. From revamping the coaching staff to trading Dexter Lawrence to drafting Arvell Reese, Big Blue is going to look very different in 2026 than it did in 2025.
One of the things the Giants did during free agency was to bring in several veteran wide receivers to help with the development of Jaxson Dart, as well as provide support while Malik Nabers continues to heal from his devastating ACL tear.
One of the players they brought in was wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who was recently named a bounce-back candidate by CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles.
Amid a disappointing 2024 for the Falcons, Mooney quietly impressed with 64 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns while averaging a career-best 15.5 yards per catch — the seventh-highest mark in the league. Mooney dealt with lingering injuries in 2025, though, and finished with just 32 catches. The Giants would love to see him get back to his 2024 form, when he showed a well-rounded skill set that hadn’t been on display earlier in his career.
Mooney spent his first four NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears before becoming an Atlanta Falcon for the following two seasons. He has recorded only one season with over 1,000 yards receiving, but he averages 13 yards per reception. He is somewhat undersized for an NFL receiver, standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 177 pounds, but he hasn’t let that stop him from making an impact.
Pereles grouped his under-the-radar players into groups: Under-recognized players ready to make a star leap, bounce-back candidates (where Mooney falls), second-year jump, known face (in a) new place, Trenches, and supporting a star.
Giants’ defensive tackle D.J. Reader landed under “known face, new place” for his role in taking over Dexter Lawrence’s spot.
Mooney struggled in 2025, recording just 443 yards on 32 receptions and scoring one touchdown, but he has an opportunity to be much more successful in 2026, especially with Nabers still nursing his knee. Mooney’s familiarity and success in Matt Nagy’s offense when they were in Chicago will go a long way toward that bounce-back.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants’ Darnell Mooney named a 2026 bounce-back candidate
Reporting by Serena Burks, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Serena Burks, Giants Wire | USA TODAY Network
