Indianapolis Colts move on from fan favorite in a bold move after the NFL Draft
Kenny Moore II had requested a trade in April, and the Indianapolis Colts let him pursue one, but it didn’t manifest.
Less than one month after Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II requested a trade, his time with the organization has come to an end. On Thursday, the Colts released Moore, ending his nine years with the organization.
The move will save the Colts $7.06 million on the salary cap with $6.05 million dead in 2026. That will leave the Colts with approximately $33.7 million in salary cap space for 2026.
Indianapolis Colts release CB Kenny Moore II
Moore had a great run with the Colts during his nine years, but he’s taken a slight step back. In 2024, Moore allowed seven touchdowns on 54 receptions. Those came on 78 targets, while he also earned three interceptions and another three passes batted down.
This past season, he allowed just 43 receptions on 66 targets, but played 298 less snaps in 2025 than 2024. While there was just one touchdown allowed, his ball production went down with one interception and three passes broken up.
The Colts have an interesting cornerback room moving forward. Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward are going to be the starters on the outside, but nickel will likely be occupied by either fourth-year Mekhi Blackmon or 2025 third-round pick Justin Walley coming off of a torn ACL.
With Lou Anarumo as the defensive coordinator, he will get the secondary in shape entering the year. The move to release Moore isn’t a major surprise in a vacuum, but doing so two weeks after the NFL Draft is fascinating from a timing standpoint. It’s a signal that the Colts are comfortable with their group, along with the lack of real trade interest.
Where could Moore end up? Any team that needs an experienced slot cornerback would be wise to give him a call. Anything between $5 million and $10 million makes sense for the former Pro Bowler.