Kenny Moore II is officially on the block. The cornerback and the Colts agreed to seek a trade as the veteran enters his 10th season. This move signals a total teardown of the old guard in Indianapolis.
“It’s all good. It’s all love,” Moore said, perStephen Holder. “There is no beef between the player and the front office. This is strictly about the Benjamins and a crowded salary cap.”
Text from Kenny Moore II: “It’s all good. It’s all love.”
No beef between the parties. Partly a scheme fit issue, per source. 2025 rookie Justin Walley will be asked to step up as the slot corner. https://t.co/h15bqdEVM8
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) April 10, 2026
Moore signed a 3-year deal worth $30 million before the 2024 season. He was the highest-paid slot corner at the time. Now he carries a $13.1 million cap hit for the 2026 season.
The books are already heavy with massive commitments.Charvarius Ward is projected to cost $24.6 million in 2027. Sauce Gardner sits at $20.9 million. There is simply no room left to pay an aging veteran.
Moore will be 31 when the 2026 season kicks off. Injuries have slowed him down lately. He missed three games last year with an Achilles problem and hasn’t played a full season since 2021.
Kenny Moore II
Oct 29, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) is tackled by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
His stats remain respectable despite the bruises. Last season, he notched six passes defensed and an interception. He also forced two fumbles while providing a veteran presence in a very young secondary.
The resume is legendary for an undrafted free agent. Since 2017, he has played 132 games and started 111. He recorded 21 interceptions, 11.5 sacks, and 649 tackles during his storied Indy tenure.
General Manager Chris Ballard is cleaning house. He already shipped Zaire Franklin to Green Bay for Colby Wooden. Michael Pittman Jr. went to the Steelers for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick.
Colts seek Kenny Moore II trade to clear way for Justin Walley
The plan for the future revolves around Justin Walley. The Colts drafted the Minnesota product in the third round of the 2025 draft. He spent last year on injured reserve.
An ACL tear in training camp delayed his debut. Now he is healthy and expected to take over the starting job. His college production suggests he is ready for the leap.
In his final season, Walley recorded 42 tackles and one sack. He also snagged two interceptions. One of those was a 70-yard return, while the other was a touchdown.
He also notched 10 passes defended during that final college campaign. The Colts are betting that his cheap rookie contract provides better value than Moore’s veteran salary. It is a gamble.
If Walley stumbles, the Indy secondary will be left with a massive hole. If he thrives, Ballard looks like a genius. Either way, the Moore era in Indianapolis is coming to an end.