Colts release cornerback Kenny Moore, safety Nasir Adderley - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts on Thursday released veteran cornerback Kenny Moore II, one of the team's longest-tenured players and most respected leaders.

Moore, 30, recently requested a trade after conversations with general manager Chris Ballard. The team agreed to explore trade possibilities, but Ballard said during the NFL draft that nothing had yet materialized.

With teams well into their offseasons and with the Colts anticipating signing rookies in the coming days during this weekend's rookie camp, roster spots needed to be created.

Moore was in line to earn $10 million for the 2026 season. The Colts save just more than $7 million in salary cap space with the move.

Moore, who was a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, joined the Colts as a waiver claim in 2017 and flourished a year later as one of the top nickel cornerbacks in the NFL. He started 111 games for Indianapolis, recording 21 interceptions, 11.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. He also is a three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee (2021, 2024 and 2025) for his well-documented community work in the Indianapolis area.

Moore didn't go into depth on his trade request when it was originally made, but he told ESPN, «It's all good. It's all love,» indicating there was no acrimony between him and the team.

Ballard, speaking last month, said, «I think very highly of Kenny, not only me personally, but organizationally. And I know the city feels the same way. At the end of the day, talking to him, he just felt like it was time for a change. Nothing much more than that. And because of our respect level for Kenny, we said, 'OK.' Not always easy, especially when you get a [team] pillar… not only on our team, but in the community.»

Ballard added, «Those are not always easy