Darnell Mooney Reportedly Turned Down Extension Last Year

Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson bet on himself and won.

It doesn't always work out that way and didn't for one Bears player apparently.

According to the Tribune's Brad Biggs, wide receiver Darnell Mooney is heading toward free agency now but could have been under contract already. Biggs reported Mooney was offered a three-year contract averaging $10 million before last season but turned it down.

"There's a cautionary tale here for Mooney as he turned down an extension offer from the Bears before last season started," Biggs wrote.

Mooney had only 31 receptions last year after he made 40 in a 2022 season cut to 12 games due to an ankle injury and surgery.

Mooney started his career in Matt Nagy's offense with 142 receptions over the first two seasons with Nick Foles, Mitchell Trubisky, Andy Dalton and Justin Fields at quarterback. Fields started most of the games the last two seasons.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN on Monday said he thinks Kansas City and Tennessee could "be players" for Mooney's services when free agency begins with the two-day, March 11 negotiating period.

There would be a connection in both places. Former Bears receivers coach Tyke Tolbert is now receivers coach with the Titans. Nagy is the offensive coordinator for the Chiefs.

Spotrac.com sees Mooney's value as hurt little by his poor 2023 season. They project a market value of $10.4 million a year for him. Pro Football Focus projects it at $9 million a year.