Kenny Moore II Seeks Trade from Colts Ahead of Contract Year, Top Landing Spots for DB

The Indianapolis Colts and nickel cornerback Kenny Moore II have reportedly mutually agreed to seek a trade prior to the 2026 NFL season.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, both Moore and the Colts believe it is "time to explore a trade" as Moore prepares to enter the final year of his contract.

Former Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin, now a member of the Green Bay Packers, relayed a cryptic post shortly after the news of Moore's potential exit broke:

The 30-year-old Moore is a one-time Pro Bowler who has spent his entire nine-year NFL career with the Colts.

Originally acquired off waivers from the New England Patriots after the Pats signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State in 2017, Moore has become a key contributor in Indy over the past nine years.

While primarily a slot corner, Moore has also shown the ability to move outside when needed, making him a valuable chess piece for any team that potentially trades for him.

During his NFL career, Moore has started 111 of the 132 games he has appeared in, recording 649 tackles, 21 interceptions, 68 passes defended, 11.5 sacks and six forced fumbles.

He was named a Pro Bowler for the first and only time in 2021 when he set career high with 102 tackles and matched career highs with four picks and 13 pass breakups.

Moore signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension with the Colts in 2024, meaning Indianapolis will save $7 million against the salary cap if it trades him, while the acquiring team will take on a $10 million, non-guaranteed salary, per Spotrac:

Last season, Moore missed three games due to an Achilles injury, and he also started only seven of the 14 games he appeared in.

While Moore played 75.5 percent of the Colts' defensive snaps, his usage was significantly down from the 98.4 percent of defensive snaps he played in 2024.

Although the Colts leaned on Moore less, particularly after the acquisition of star cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets, any number of teams would benefit greatly from a versatile defensive back like Moore.

The Kansas City Chiefs stand out as a strong possibility after losing three key cornerbacks to trade and free agency this offseason.

KC traded Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams, and McDuffie was a similar player to Moore in that he is capable of excelling in the slot and outside, so Moore could prove to be the ideal replacement.

Other teams with clear and obvious holes at cornerback, especially at the nickel spot, include the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, Packers and New Orleans Saints.

Any of them could be a potential landing spot for Moore depending on the Colts' asking price, but the Chiefs perhaps offer the best combination of scheme fit and the chance to contend for a championship.