Will the Bears Sign Darnell Mooney to an Extension? Fantasy Football Outlook

Chicago Bears wide receiver has shown flashes of upside during his first three seasons as a pro and has a 1,000-yard season on his resume. Mooney was just a fifth-round selection in the 2020 NFL draft, so he's clearly outplayed his rookie contract, even if he isn't a stud No. 1 wideout.

The Bears passing game was putrid in 2022 and he suffered a major injury, so his production took a big hit from year two to year three. However, he's been the best pass-catching option Justin Fields has had to work with, so surely, Chicago is interested in keeping him around long-term.

Will Mooney get a contract extension this offseason? We'll review his 2022 campaign and dive into it!

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Darnell Mooney 2022 Season Recap

Chicago only totaled 2,958 passing yards on the season, so obviously, Mooney's production took a hit from his 1,055-yard sophomore campaign. The Tulane alum finished the year with 40 catches for 493 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games and ultimately finished the season on Injured Reserve with a broken ankle.

Through the first three weeks of 2022, Mooney caught just four of his 11 targets for 27 yards and no touchdowns. He looked to be headed toward an absolutely disastrous season but picked it up somewhat until his unfortunate injury in Week 11.

In the context of Chicago's offense, his numbers weren't as bad as they seem on the surface, and he was likely going to be the team's leading receiver by a solid margin if he stayed on the field.

Will the Bears Sign Darnell Mooney to an Extension?

Mooney was one of the first holdovers that general manager Ryan Poles praised at the combine last year. Despite a disappointing 2022 season that ended early due to injury, Poles' positive feelings about Mooney remain.

Before his injury, Mooney wasn't as effective as Chicago's bona fide No. 1 receiver, so perhaps he'll see increased production if/when the Bears bring in a true No. 1 wideout to give quarterback Justin Fields more help through the air. Mooney's price will surely drop in fantasy drafts this fall, and he could be an absolute bargain.

For now, we can't know for sure whether Mooney will agree to an extension this offseason, but it was reported in late October that both parties are interested in doing so.

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