Kenny Moore II is a free agent after being released by the Indianapolis Colts. The veteran cornerback had asked for a trade earlier this offseason. But when the Colts failed to find a suitable trade partner, he requested his release, which the front office honored. Moore would be a great addition to any team that’s looking to upgrade their secondary. How about the Washington Commanders? Ethan Woodie of nfltraderumors.com listed them as a potential landing spot for Moore:
“With just six draft picks, the Commanders made smart choicesand added a ton of talent to theirroster.But cornerback wasn’t addressedin the draft, and that was probably Washington’s biggest weakness on this roster. The Commanders had the worstcoverage unit in the league last season, and the only additions they made at cornerback were a pair of bargain free agent signings in Ahkello Witherspoon and Amik Robertson. Neither of those players is fundamentally transforming this unit.It sounds like the plan is to move Sainristil to the outside andhave Robertson play in the slot, but Kenny Moore is a significantly better player than Robertson.”
Kenny Moore will likely sign with a contender like the Kansas City Chiefs. But don’t rule out a squad like the Commanders.
Should the Commanders Pursue Free Agent Kenny Moore II?
His Career Thus Far
Moore went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft. Not longafter the draft, he was signed by the New England Patriots.However, he never played a regular-season game for the team as they waived him on September 2, 2017. The Colts claimed him off waivers the following day. During his rookie year in Indianapolis, Moore started five of his 16 games. He recorded an interception, five passes defended, a forced fumble, and two quarterback hits. The Valdosta State product also had 38 tackles (two for loss).
Following his rookie year, Moore became a full-time starting cornerback for the Colts. He was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 14 of the 2020 season. During that 44-27 win, he made an unbelievable one-handed interception and forced a fumble that was recovered by the Colts.
2021 was a memorable season for Moore. The Georgia native was named to his first career Pro Bowl and was the Colts’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. He started all 17 games that season, producing four interceptions, a sack, 101 tackles, and 13 passes defensed.
Moore put together a solid 2023 campaign. Appearing in 16 games, he recorded three interceptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns. He also had six pass breakups, 1.5 sacks, 93 tackles (eight for loss), and two quarterback hits. The highlight of Moore’s season was his performance in Week 9 against the Carolina Panthers.In that 27-13victory, Moore came away with two pick-sixes: one for 66 yards and another for 49. He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors as a result.
The Colts re-signed Moore to a three-year, $30 million contract in 2024. That following season, he record 78 tackles, three interceptions, and seven passes defensed.
Does Signing Kenny Moore Make Sense?
The Commanders shocked the sports world during the 2024 season. Led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, they went 12-5 and made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game. However, the team finished with a lousy 5-12 record last season as Daniels played in only seven games due to injury.
To return to the playoffs, the Commanders need Daniels to stay healthy and bounce back. Plus, their defense must improve. Washington added talented defenders in this year’s draft such as Ohio State linebacker Sonny Stylesand Tennessee pass-rusher JoshuaJosephs.Yet, the Commanders have to improve their secondary, whichincludes guys like Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, and newcomers Ahkello Witherspoon and Amik Robertson.
Kenny Moore, one of the top slot corners in the NFL, would help improve the unit. He can cover the quick outs and whip routes, and tackle in space. Plus, he plays with an edge and possesses veteran football IQ. Although the 30-year-old Moore might not be in his prime anymore, it makes sense for the Commanders to sign him as he could help them return to the postseason in 2026.
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