The Indianapolis Colts are just under a month away from making a franchise-altering decision with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. But before they can get there, a few more roster moves may have to be made first.
It’s not for a lack of cap space, as the Colts have over $20 million to spend toward improving their roster. Yet, Indianapolis may opt to continue clearing future salaries off their books, leaning toward a roster reset, but not a complete rebuild.
According to general manager Chris Ballard, the Colts have been receiving trade offers for a few of their talented players this offseason. That group apparently includes three-time Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly and one-time Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore II.
Moore, 28, is entering the final year of his contract and is set to have a cap number of $8.1 million in 2023. This is a reasonable rate for a player who has shown an ability to play at a high level, as Moore has in the past.
The issue is, according to Pro Football Focus, he hasn’t had an above-average season since 2020. If the Colts aren’t willing to commit to a long-term extension for their nickelback, a trade may make the most sense.
As for Kelly, he is under contract through 2024 but is also 30 years old and is set to have a cap number of $12.3 million in 2023 and $14.6M the following year. He, too, has seen his play slip as of late, with 2020 also being his last above-average season.
Either way, teams still seem willing to take a chance on both players returning to their solid level of play in the near future. Whether the Colts are actually willing to part with more former cornerstones could be a separate story as they look to rebound after a four-win season. So far, they don’t appear willing.
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