The surprise Colts release of Kenny Moore just created a fascinating Lions conversation

The Lions have a ton of defensive backs on the roster right now, and there might not be room for another

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) runs 49 yards for a touchdown after intercepting a pass by Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, during a game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) runs 49 yards for a touchdown after intercepting a pass by Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, during a game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

If there’s one thing some Detroit Lions fans want more than anything, it’s a player with a recognizable name who’s had some good seasons. The Indianapolis Colts just put one on the market on Wednesday when they released cornerback Kenny Moore after the Pro Bowler requested that both sides go their separate ways.

Of course, this led some Lions fans to take to social media and talk about why the Lions need this guy. The thing is, they probably don’t.

The Lions are not in a position to add Kenny Moore right now

It’s not a money thing. It’s not the Lions being cheap or refusing to add a good player. The real reason is this:

All the defensive backs the Lions have right now

  • Terrion Arnold
  • D.J. Reed
  • Kerby Joseph
  • Brian Branch
  • Rock Ya-Sin
  • Thomas Harper
  • Chuck Clark
  • Ennis Rakestraw
  • Keith Abney
  • Khalil Dorsey
  • Roger McCreary
  • Nick Whiteside
  • Christien Izien
  • Avonte Maddox
  • Dan Jackson
  • Loren Strickland
  • Aamaris Brown
  • De’Shawn Rucker

That’s 19 players right there. The Lions’ secondary alone accounts for 21% of the current roster. Do they need to add a 20th guy? It’s not like this is a list of bums or something. I know fans are concerned about injuries, but right now that’s just one guy, Brian Branch.

The Lions still have Kerby Joseph, who Lions GM Brad Holmes says is trending the right way and is posting stuff like this on Instagram.

Behind him is Thomas Harper, who played well last year, Chuck Clark, who has been a starter in the NFL his whole career, and then Christien Izien and Avonte Maddox, who are super versatile and can play any spot in the secondary. Why would you need anyone else on top of that?

He can play slot corner, but the Lions just stole Keith Abney in the fifth round and have Roger McCreary, who’s been a starter in the slot. I just don’t see why you don’t go with either of them.

On top of that, it’s been a minute since Moore was the Pro Bowl defensive back you’re thinking of. He made the Pro Bowl in 2021. Since then, he’s had some struggles with injuries in 2022 and 2025. He’s also struggled with missed tackles. I mean, really struggled. In 2024, he had 16 missed tackles. That was fourth among cornerbacks. He had a 37.4 tackle grade from Pro Football Focus.

On top of all of that, he’ll be 31 when the season starts. The Lions are trying to get younger, and every move they’ve made says that. This one just doesn’t make sense for Detroit.

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