The Indianapolis Colts are lucky to have one of the best slot cornerbacks in the league at their disposal in cornerback Kenny Moore. Moore began as an undrafted no-name from tiny Valdosta State and turned into a difference-maker on one of the best teams in the AFC due to his tenacity.
After being cut by the New England Patriots, Moore landed on his feet in Indianapolis. Chris Ballard rewarded Moore’s play in 2019 when he made him the highest-paid slot cornerback in football. Unfortunately, the Colts may have to reckon with the fact that Moore will hit the open market.
If the Colts are going to pay anyone on this defense, it will be Moore. Still in his prime and playing some of the best football of his career for a white-hot Colts team, Moore is going to be integral to the success of this unit going forward.
What is a Moore extension going to look like? Indianapolis will certainly top the contract extension that they handed him in 2019, putting Moore as one of the most well-compensated cornerbacks in the game. Ballard hasn’t always been willing to back up the Brinks truck, but Moore is worth such an extravagant payday.
🏈 Two years ago, Kenny Moore signed with the #Patriots as an undrafted free agent, but he didn't make the team.
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) June 13, 2019
Now he's the highest-paid slot cornerback in the NFL. 🤑https://t.co/GiGGtNyItS pic.twitter.com/crMLgUNt2n
Projecting Colts CB Kenny Moore’s next contract
Players like Michael Davis, Ronald Darby, and Adoree’ Jackson are currently outearning Moore’s $8.325 million average annual value. Moore will go into seven figures, and that number could put him into the Top 10 in terms of AAV across the league. It’s hard to argue against him being in that tier.
Moore has four interceptions this season from the slot, which puts him in first place in that particular category. With Moore poised to set a new career-high in tackles in a year where he’s elevated a secondary constantly hampered by injuries, giving Moore seven figures should frighten no one.
Kenny Moore's tip to himself was the most satisfying play of the week 😤 @KennyKennyMoe3 @Colts @SNICKERS pic.twitter.com/kYDaW5wCVO
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) November 25, 2021
Ultimately, look for Moore to get a contract somewhere in the $14 million range. This puts him on par with names like Marcus Peters, Trae Waynes, and James Bradberry while helping him once again reclaim the title of highest-paid slot cornerback in football. Indy could lock him up without completely breaking the bank.
The Colts have their offensive foundation almost set in stone with Carson Wentz and Jonathan Taylor, and Moore is one of the main cornerstones on the other side of the ball. With how rare it is to find a player in the slot that can impact the game in the way Moore does, Indianapolis needs to keep him around.
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