The New York Giants knew that star wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) might not be 100 percent at the start of this season, so they went out in free agency and grabbed a few veteran wideouts this past offseason.
One of the more interesting names they added is Darnell Mooney, a 28-year-old former 2020 fifth-year pick of the Chicago Bears out of Tulane.
Mooney, who was clocked at 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine that year, played four seasons with the Bears and eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in 2021. He moved on to Atlanta and had a solid season in 2024 with 992 receiving yards receving and a career-high five touchdowns.
Mooney, who was hampered by injuries last year, became a free agent this offseason after being released by the Falcons. The Giants swooped in and inked Mooney to a one-year, $10 million deal.
What can Mooney do for the Giants? He has 309 receptions in his career, 15 of over 40 yards, with an average of 13.0 per catch. He is a reliable pair of hands that can stretch the field for Jaxson Dart and the Giants’ offense.
On Monday, at the Giants’ first training camp practice back home in New Jersey after spending the last 12 days in West Virginia, Mooney was asked what he felt his role would be this year with Big Blue.
“To make plays,” he told reporters. “As I said a few months back, I feel like I’ve been doing that. I feel like I’ve been doing well with that. My hands feel strong. I feel confident. I feel like I’m moving well, so everything’s going smooth.”
“Smooth” was Mooney’s word of the day for most things, like when he was asked about his relationship with Dart.
“We have a great relationship. Smooth,” said Mooney. “We had a nice little event out in Vegas. Got to hang out with each other a lot there. Jax is a cool guy, man. I’m happy to be a receiver for him.”
Hopefully, Dart will feel the same way about Mooney this season.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: ‘Smooth’ Darnell Mooney ready to ‘make plays’ for New York Giants
Reporting by John Fennelly, Giants Wire / Giants Wire
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By John Fennelly, Giants Wire | USA TODAY Network
