The Indianapolis Colts have parted ways with several notable players this offseason, including pass rusher Kwity Paye, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and linebacker Zaire Franklin. Cornerback Kenny Moore II could be next, as the veteran team captain and the Colts have mutually agreed to seek a trade, per ESPN.
Moore, who turns 31 in August, is entering the final year of a three-year, $30 million extension he signed in 2024. Moore carries a $13.1 million salary cap hit with a $9.5 million base salary, but has no guaranteed money remaining.
In 2025, Moore recorded 55 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, six passes defensed and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown, in 14 games played. It marked the first time since 2022 that Moore recorded fewer than three interceptions. Moore’s best campaign came in 2021, when he recorded 102 tackles, 13 passes defensed and four interceptions, earning his lone Pro Bowl appearance.
Moore has played 132 career games over nine seasons in Indy. He has never suited up for another NFL team, although the New England Patriots did bring Moore in after he went undrafted out of Valdosta State in 2017. Moore was eventually cut, and he later described his four months in New England as a low point in his life. He became depressed and questioned if football was really for him.
“It just felt robotic,” Moore said. “You don’t want to do anything else but go home and go to sleep because tomorrow is about to be crazy. I really felt like I was in the military. Like, damn.”
The Colts and then-head coach Chuck Pagano claimed Moore off waivers a day after he was cut, and he quickly found his footing in the league thanks to a more conducive situation.
If Moore were to be traded, his new team would acquire the $10 million remaining on his non-guaranteed deal, while the Colts would take on a $6.05 million dead-cap hit with $7 million in savings, per Spotrac.
Let’s take a look at a few potential landing spots for Moore.
The Dallas Cowboys have shown a willingness to add veteran help for their defense, whether that be former linebacker Logan Wilson or star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. This Dallas defense ranked dead last in pass defense last year with 251.5 passing yards surrendered per game, so Moore would be a welcomed addition to a young room that’s looking to get back on track for.
The Carolina Panthers revamped their defense this offseason, adding pass rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd in free agency. Here’s another chance to improve by adding Moore in the slot to play over Chau Smith-Wade. Remember, even though it was ugly, the Panthers won the NFC South last year. They gave the Los Angeles Rams quite a game in the wild-card round, too. This organization wants to continue to stack wins and improve.
The Miami Dolphins need some major help on the defensive side of the ball — especially when it comes to the secondary. That cornerback room is currently headlined by Darrell Baker Jr., Alex Austin, Jason Marshall Jr., Marco Wilson, JuJu Brents and the best name in the NFL: Storm Duck. Adding a veteran voice that can make plays from the slot is something Jeff Hafley would be interested in.
The Green Bay Packers already traded for a Colt this offseason in Zaire Franklin. Let’s make it two-for-two and get Moore to Green Bay. Franklin would probably stand on the table for his former teammate. He even posted a picture with Moore on social media after this “mutually parting of ways” news broke. Moore would improve this Packers defense, but the only problem is Green Bay has a physical slot many like in Javon Bullard.
The Kansas City Chiefs‘ secondary looks pretty different these days. They traded star cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams, Jaylen Watson then followed him to Los Angeles, safety Bryan Cook signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and backup cornerback Joshua Williams joined the Tennessee Titans. Steve Spagnuolo would value a leader like Kenny Moore, who brings experience and versatility to the slot.
