Following the conclusion of the 2022 season, defensive back, Kenny Moore, questions his future with the Indianapolis Colts.
The 2021 season was the best year of Kenny Moore’s career. He recorded career highs in just about every relevant stat and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time. While he had been good for a while, the 2021 season stamped him as a star in the league. Unfortunately, that year was followed up with a 2022 season that is arguably Moore’s worst season as a starter with the Indianapolis Colts.
The bad year started with Kenny going to the team and asking for an extension that was more reflective of his value to the team. However, the Colts refused to entertain the idea since Moore had two seasons remaining on his contract. So Moore tabled negotiations and went into the season but only played 12 games, missing Indy’s last five games with an ankle injury. He finished the season with just 65 tackles, one sack, and four pass deflections. He didn’t have any forced fumbles or interceptions.
On Monday, Moore talked with the media about his disappointing season and was very vulnerable about what went wrong this season. However, the biggest takeaway was Kenny’s comments as he emotionally contemplated his future with the franchise. Moore was visibly distraught as he talked through the possibility that he’s already played his last game with the Colts.
Kenny Moore II got choked up when talking about the possibility of this being his last season with the #Colts.
— Angela Moryan (@SidelineStormer) January 9, 2023
Colts took a chance on him as an undrafted FA from @valdostastatefb 6 years ago. Now he's a sought-after Pro Bowl cornerback and team captain. @KennyKennyMoe3 @WISH_TV pic.twitter.com/8aqrClZiZ2
Will Kenny Moore return to the Colts in 2023?
Initially smiling, Moore was asked what will be the No. 1 thing on his mind going into the offseason. As his trademark smile disappeared from his face, Moore elected to be “brutally honest” and admitted that the No. 1 thing he’ll be thinking about is if he’ll “be able to wear that blue and white 23 again.” Moore paused as if he wanted to say more but it seemed as if the emotions were starting to come, so he just moved on to another question.
Later, Kenny Moore did expound and also sincerely expressed his gratitude for the team and city in which he has immersed himself:
"I would love to be here in Indy, a place that I never thought that I could potentially leave. But nobody is safe in this business…It’s been a great journey, being here for six years and obviously having a lot of success in blue and white. Wearing that No. 23 has been a true honor. Playing at Lucas Oil, the fans deserve so much more. Just having my last name on the back of that jersey, it means more than anyone could know."
Moore was speaking like a veteran that just concluded his sixth year in the NFL. He knows that with one season remaining on his contract, his desire for a new deal, and all of the change that is going on with the Colts, it’s likely that he will be traded this offseason. Although he expressed his desire to remain in Indianapolis, the decision ultimately isn’t his.
On Monday, Moore also discussed how tough it was to lose Matt Eberflus and the previous defensive staff and also how things didn’t immediately “click” with Gus Bradley and the new coaches. All those circumstances helped contribute to a down here for Kenny Moore and they could also lead to his departure. While the Colts have a lot on their hands currently with a head coaching search and a top-five draft pick, Kenny Moore’s relationship with the franchise will be something to monitor through the offseason.
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