The Cincinnati Bengals are already as “all-in” as they’ve ever been entering the 2026 season. Adding former Pro Bowl slot cornerback Kenny Moore II would be pushing even more chips forward.

Moore was granted his release from the Indianapolis Colts Thursday, not for the sake of wanting more money, but for finding a better schematic.

Moore was due $10M in 2026, but this move wasn't really about that — more so getting into the right fit and scheme for the player. https://t.co/eMZuTHgm52

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 7, 2026

A former undrafted free agent signing of the New England Patriots, Moore has spent all nine years of his career in Indianapolis. He made a Pro Bowl in 2021, and developed into a team captain.

Moore has played multiple roles within the Colts’ defensive backfield, but 4,804 of his 7,742 snaps have been in the slot. The 30-year old is a nickelback through and through, which is why he’d be an ideal finishing touch for the Bengals’ defense.

Bengals should sign former Colts DB Kenny Moore II

Cincinnati makes a ton of sense for Moore because its defense could use an upgrade at his position. The club’s starting nickel is currently Jalen Davis, whom was able to be re-signed on a one-year, $1.575 million deal in February.

Davis has never been a starter for an entire season before, but he’s the best option on the current roster. Free agent additions Ja’Sir Taylor and Kyle Dugger may also be asked to play snaps at the position.

Moore would come in immediately and give the Bengals a true starter in the slot. His presence would comfortably keep Dax Hill on the outside where he wants to be, and the last pressing question about the secondary would be given a solid answer.

Cincy has been aggressive this offseason filling needs with capable playmakers. Signing Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, and Jonathan Allen was a productive start, but trading its first-round draft pick for Dexter Lawrence proves there’s never been an offseason quite like this in the Queen City. Anything is now truly on the table.

Signing Moore would yet another step in this aggressive direction, partially because of the financials.

What it would cost to sign Kenny Moore II?

Moore was due $10 million this year from the Colts, and none of it was guaranteed. As salary cap aficionado Andre Perrotta points out, Moore’s release indicates there weren’t any clubs willing to take on his contract via a trade. He will likely sign for a smaller amount than what he was previously owed by Indy.

We can infer, since IND didn't find a trade partner, that he won't get the $10M he was scheduled to earn in 2026.

I think he'll land in the $6M-$8M range in base value with a chance to earn $1M-$2M more via incentives. So whenever he signs, I wouldn't be surprised if it's…

— Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) May 7, 2026

The Bengals will have around $5 million in offseason salary cap space once their rookie class is signed. A hypothetical one-year deal for Moore could fit under the cap with the addition of a void year, which was used in Joe Flacco’s deal back in March.

A void year wouldn’t even be necessary if Cincinnati restructured Joe Burrow’s contract. The Bengals would open up a little over $19 million in cap space by converting Burrow’s salary to a prorated bonus. Moore’s deal and the rookie contracts would all fit comfortably, and there will be millions that could be rolled over into next year like the club prioritizes every season.

Cincinnati can make this work. Moore would fill a critical need, and improve a defense that was already on track to being significantly better than what it was last year.

It comes down to whether or not the Bengals already feel like enough has been done, and all the chips have already been pushed in.