Indianapolis Colts star slot cornerback Kenny Moore II requested a trade in early April, seeking a fresh start after struggling to adjust to Lou Anarumo’s man-coverage defensive scheme, as he prefers zone coverage. He recorded one interception and six pass deflections while missing three games with a significant Achilles/calf injury. Moore enters the final year of his three-year, $30 million contract and is scheduled to earn a $9.49 million base salary, $10 million in cash, and a $13.11 million cap hit.
Indianapolis Colts move on from Pro Bowler following trade request
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) warms up, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, before a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) warms up, Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, before a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
According to Adam Schefter, the Colts have granted Kenny Moore II‘s request to be released after failing to find a trade suitor. As a result, the front office clears $7.06 million in cap savings while taking on $6.05 million in dead cap, per Over The Cap. Teams likely balked at acquiring Moore because they would have had to cough up draft compensation and inherit a one-year, $10 million contract.
Veteran safety Kenny Moore asked for and was granted his release from the Indianapolis Colts today, per source. pic.twitter.com/BwNbEaBTGn
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 7, 2026
Who takes over in the slot?
Indianapolis Colts, Justin Walley
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota defensive back Justin Walley (DB33) runs in the 40 yard dash during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Justin Walley is currently the favorite to replace Kenny Moore in the slot. The third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft was having an impressive offseason and was in serious contention to start in his rookie season before suffering a season-ending ACL tear during an August joint practice session. The good news is that Walley is nine months removed from the injury and should be ready for the start of training camp.