The Indianapolis Colts have started OTAs but one of their best players, Kenny Moore, is sitting out due to frustrations with his contract.
This time of the NFL offseason is all about OTAs and contract negotiations, and frequently, the two overlap. Players send messages to their franchise by not showing up to OTAs to make clear that they’re frustrated with their current contract situation. That trend has made its way to the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts started OTAs on Tuesday, May 24, and on Wednesday, Indy had its first practice that was open to the media. One of the biggest initial observations was that Pro Bowl defensive back Kenny Moore was present but he wasn’t participating.
It was reported that Moore, who was present in sweats, was sitting out intentionally due to contract frustrations. The versatile defender has two years remaining on his contract but he reportedly feels that he is underpaid.
Kenny Moore II’s absence from OTAs this week is intentional, source says. Moore II is upset and feels like he’s underpaid, given his importance to Colts defense. Moore II is scheduled to make $6.75 million in ‘22 and $8.245 million in final two years of deal.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) May 25, 2022
Kenny Moore believes he’s underpaid by the Colts
It was just three years ago when Moore signed a four-year extension with Indianapolis worth $36 million, a contract that made him the highest-paid slot cornerback at the time.
It’s hard to argue that Moore isn’t living up to that contract. He has dominated during his time with the Colts even when he wasn’t getting league-wide recognition.
However, Moore made his first Pro Bowl last season, and everyone that knows football understands what a problem Moore is as a defender.
He offers Indy a unique versatility to do anything on the defensive side of the ball. He can guard receivers on the outside and inside and also come into the box to defend tight ends or play behind the line of scrimmage.
Not only does he have the ability to do that, but he actually does all of those things and that’s probably why he’s looking for a raise. A request that’s new to the public but one that Frank Reich has admitted the team has been aware of.
On Kenny Moore, Frank Reich says.... "Everything is voluntary at this point. You know how we feel about Kenny. Every player's got to make his own decision. But we're glad he's here."
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) May 25, 2022
Said there was communication bw Moore, his agent and the team. They were aware of position.
Moore’s average annual salary of his current contract is $8.325 million, making him the 47th highest-paid secondary player in the NFL, outside corners and safeties included.
Considering Moore’s sustained dominance and how big of a role he has in Indy’s defense, it’s fair to say that he should be considerably higher on the list.
It’s still early in the offseason, and it’s only voluntary OTAs that Moore is missing, so hopefully, he and the Colts will be able to reach a solution.
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