Colts Re-Signing Veteran Cornerback

There is no need to remove Kenny Moore II’s portrait from the side of Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Colts’ marriage to Moore II, which had to overcome a public hitch two offseasons ago, will continue.

Moore II and the Colts reached an agreement on Tuesday afternoon to sign a three-year contract worth an estimated $30 million.

Moore II’s 2023 season was the type of comeback year that all parties hoped for.

Moore II had a forgettable 2022 season, both on and off the field.

He stated that he did not handle contract issues with the team as well as he could have.

Moore II, who only played 12 games last season and lacked the playmaking he is known for, improved in all aspects this year.

Moore II appeared in 16 games this year, recording three interceptions (0 last year) and double his tackles for loss (8).

While some questioned Moore II’s specific fit in Gus Bradley’s defense, Chris Ballard didn’t notice much of a difference in use for No. 23 over the last two years under a new scheme.

“Kenny is a good football player,” Ballard said at the end of the ’23 season. “He played really good football this year. I wouldn’t necessarily say they used him differently, but I thought Kenny played really well.

“I thought he played better.”

Moore II returned to a higher level of play this year after having a Pro Bowl season in ’21 and struggling in ’22.

Late in the season, the Colts elected to display Moore II’s picture on the side of Lucas Oil Stadium (replacing the departed Shaquille Leonard), with Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner, and Jonathan Taylor.

Is that a hint that the team wants to retain Moore II, 28, around?

One of the most compelling reasons for the Colts to bring Moore II back is their total youth at cornerback and in the secondary.

But also because, of the few young corners who are intriguing, none of them are considered as future nickel/slot alternatives, which is where Moore II really shines.

Moore II played 1,088 defensive snaps last season, one fewer than Zaire Franklin, the most by any Colts defender.

“I tell (Moore II) all the time,” Franklin explains, “I don’t know how it works without you.”

Again, the lack of torch passing possibilities in the slot is one of the most compelling reasons for the Colts to retain Moore II.

Since the Colts signed Moore II in 2017, right before the start of his first NFL regular season, this has been a mutually satisfying story.

After some tough times in ’22, everything are back on solid ground.

“I obviously want to be here,” Moore II said at the end of his 7^th season with the Colts. “This community has meant so much to me as a person. Indianapolis has been a home away from home.”

And Moore II will continue to call it home, after returning to Indy after his first free agency experience.