After failing to trade the veteran, the Indianapolis Colts have released cornerback Kenny Moore, who will now sign wherever he wants. Adam Schefter of ESPN confirmed that Moore requested to be released and has gotten his wish. Selected as an undrafted rookie in 2017, the former Valdosta State product began his first few weeks with the New England Patriots. This was until Moore was waived during the final roster cuts before being claimed by the Colts. Kenny Moore, listed as the fifth cornerback on the depth chart, competed for a starting spot in 2018.
Ultimately, winning the job as a cornerback, Moore finished that season with 77 combined tackles (63 solo), 11 pass deflections, three interceptions, and 1.5 sacks in 15 games and 15 starts. The cornerback signed a four-year extension the following year, becoming the highest-paid slot corner in the league. Moore continued to dominate, signing another extension in 2024, but missed the majority of the 2025 season due to injuries.
The Colts traded for Sauce Gardner to bolster the secondary unit, but failed to make an immediate impact to help Charvarius Ward, who also missed some time. Now, with Ward and Gardner returning, there wasn’t much financial space for the Colts to compensate Moore’s next contract. The Colts are rebuilding without Kenny Moore, who follows Michael Pittman Jr. and Braden Smith out the door this offseason.
Kenny Moore
Main Photo: Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar-USA TODAY NETWORK
4 Best Fits for Top Released Free Agent Kenny Moore
Nick Cross and Zaire Franklin were also long-time players who left Indianapolis. Kenny Moore wants to join a team immediately, which is why he requested his release, as he felt the Colts didn’t want him since they made him available for a trade. Here are four teams that could welcome Kenny Moore to their secondary room.
Possible Landing Spots
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have done phenomenally well drafting Caleb Downs to shore up the secondary room. However, the team never found a true veteran in free agency. The team signed Derion Kendrick and Cobie Durant only for depth reasons. While they did sign Jalen Thompson and PJ Locke to bolster the safety unit, the team could use a rotational, proven veteran like Moore to help Shavon Revel Jr. and DaRon Bland.
Kenny Moore won’t be the starter in Dallas, but it gives the Cowboys a better outlook in time for the postseason instead of leaning on Kendrick and Durant.
Kansas City Chiefs
Meanwhile, despite the Chiefs selecting Mansoor Delane to make up for the losses of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, the team isn’t quite ready for Nohl Williams to start. The team also lost Bryan Cook in their safety unit, but quickly found a replacement in Alohi Gilman. Kansas City tried to shore up the secondary in the offseason, signing Taron Johnson and Kaiir Elam, but they’re not adequate replacements.
The ceiling is high for Delane, and someone like Kenny Moore could help alongside him in the slot.
Seattle Seahawks
The Super Bowl champions lost a key contributor in Riq Woolen to the Eagles this offseason, while losing Coby Bryant to the Bears. Josh Jobe is returning to start opposite Devon Witherspoon, but why not add Kenny Moore to re-bolster the cornerback unit? The Seahawks had one of the most dangerous cornerback rooms in the league, and even though Moore is no Woolen, it would help take pressure off Jobe.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jamel Dean left to join the Steelers this offseason, which leaves Benjamin Morrison and Zyon McCollum to compete for the starting outside role. The Buccaneers also lost Kindle Vildor, who was a significant depth piece. The team drafted Keionte Scott with the fourth-round pick, but they could use a proven veteran to replace Dean. Kenny Moore joining the Buccaneers on a one-year deal could be ideal for helping shore up this unit.