Andrew Buller-Russ
We’ve reached the portion of the offseason where veterans are starting to see the writing on the wall. Last year, the Indianapolis Colts traded two first-round picks for Sauce Gardner to be their new No. 1 CB. That didn’t lead to a role change for Kenny Moore, who operated as the team’s nickelback, but it did mean there was a new defensive leader in the clubhouse.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Moore requested and was granted his release by the Colts on Thursday.
Moore, a one-time Pro Bowler back in 2021, has started 111 of the 132 games he’s appeared in with the Colts dating back to 2017 when he arrived as an undrafted rookie free agent. Now 30 years old, Moore feels like he still has something to offer, just not for the Colts.
Still valued as one of the better nickelbacks in the NFL, Moore will be in high demand as a free agent. Which teams should sign the veteran corner?
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Tennessee Titans
While Moore likely wants to join a contender, we can’t entirely rule out the Titans, who employ Gus Bradley as their defensive coordinator. Bradley was Moore’s defensive coordinator for three seasons, from 2022 to 2024, and we’d guess both sides would welcome a reunion under the right circumstances.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After saying goodbye to franchise icon Lavonte David, the Buccaneers would benefit from more veteran defensive leadership. Plus, the team should still be seeking upgrades after the Buccaneers ranked in the bottom tier in points allowed, passing yards allowed, and passing touchdowns allowed, and Tampa Bay hasn’t made many additions to its secondary this offseason.
San Francisco 49ers
As noted, Moore may want to join a contender, and the 49ers could provide a comfortable home. The 49ers’ defensive coordinator is Matt Eberflus, who was the Colts’ defensive coordinator from Moore’s second season through his fifth, including Moore’s lone Pro Bowl season in 2021. After recording career highs in interceptions (4) and tackles (102) in 2021, Moore would surely welcome a chance to play for Eberflus again.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a need to improve at the cornerback position. While safety Caleb Downs will help the secondary, the Cowboys didn’t select a corner until the fourth round. While Devin Moore can be part of the long-term solution in Dallas, the Cowboys may prefer to have a veteran like Kenny Moore on hand to help coach him up.
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