The Indianapolis Colts released cornerback Kenny Moore II on Thursday, ending his tenure after he requested a trade seeking a change of scenery. The move came after the team was unable to find a trade partner and used the draft to potentially find a faster replacement.
Moore, a 2021 Pro Bowler, had been seeking an exit from Indianapolis. The release gives him more time to find a new team ahead of the upcoming season, rather than waiting for a trade that never materialized.
General manager Chris Ballard had declined to commit to releasing Moore before the draft. Asked whether he might cut the cornerback, Ballard said: "I'm not at that point right now, not as of this minute I'm not."
Moore's departure leaves a hole in the Colts secondary, which now must rely on younger or less experienced players to fill the void. For Moore, the open market offers a chance to join a contender or secure a more prominent role elsewhere.
The Colts are betting on their draft picks to step up, but releasing a player of Moore's caliber carries risk. If his replacements struggle, the decision could backfire on a defense already facing questions.