Getty

Defensive back Kenny Moore II originally signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2017 out of Valdosta State before he was quickly claimed by the Indianapolis Colts after his release.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. The needle finally dropped as the Indianapolis Colts officially released cornerback Kenny Moore II after a nine-year tenure with the team. The move is unsurprising given that general manager Chris Ballard previously alluded to the Colts cutting Moore out of respect if they were unable to find a trade partner.

“[I] think very highly of Kenny, not only me personally but organizationally, and I know the city feels the same way,” Ballard stated after Moore’s initial trade request. “At the end of the day, talking to him, he just felt like it was time for a change… Because of our respect level for Kenny, we said okay. Not always easy, especially when you get a pillar that’s been a pillar, not only on our team but in the community.”

GettyDefensive back Kenny Moore II recorded 55 tackles, 6 passes defensed, 3.5 stuffs, 2 forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks, an interception, and a touchdown as a member of the Indianpolis Colts in 2025.

Moore’s absence will be felt in the locker room perhaps more than on the field. In his first season with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Moore put up his lowest graded season since 2022, according to Pro Football Focus.

This move offers a fresh start for both sides, as the Colts’ defense leans into a younger era. 

Justin Walley Emerging As Colts Top Replacement Option For Kenny Moore

GettyDefensive back Justin Walley recorded 155 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, and seven interceptions in 49 games played with the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Before Moore even indicated that he wanted a trade, the Colts signed former Cincinnati Bengals slot corner Cam Taylor-Britt and re-signed their former 2023 fifth-round pick Cameron Mitchell. 

Despite these additions to fill the void left by Moore as the slot corner alongside Sauce Garner and Charvarious Ward on the outside, the Colts’ best option for a true replacement may be a player who has never seen pro action.

The Colts selected a four-year starting Minnesota Golden Gophers cornerback, Justin Walley, in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Walley was impressive in training camp last season and earned starting reps before suffering a torn ACL in the Colts’ joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens. Despite the setback, Walley ensured he’d be fine for next season. “I’ve been here grinding six days a week, continue to grind the same way for the next couple months, and by the time the fall, back on the turf, I’ll be ready to go,” Walley said at the beginning of January.

Walley even stated that he initially talked to other Colts who have suffered significant ACL injuries, like Daniel Scott and Ashton Dulin, and that he now believes the injury will make him stronger. 

“(They said) tearing their ACL helped them out in the long run, put a couple years on the back end of your career,” Walley said. “So got a lot of guys that are supportive…Usually, when you tear your ACL, you’re so intentional on lower body strength, your movements are so much more precise that you end up moving a lot better than you were before your surgery.”

Now entering his sophomore season, Walley will have an opportunity to test his newfound strength as he looks to seize a starting role.

Colts Defensive Refresh Was Capped Off In The Draft

Walley may not be the only new starter on the defensive side of the ball, as the Colts added five extra pieces in the draft. Led by their first pick, CJ Allen, who is the presumed starter at MIKE linebacker, safety A.J. Haulcy could join Walley as the Colts hope to round out their backend unit. 

The Colts are looking to put all the pieces together and improve a unit that was the 25th-ranked overall defense in 2025, according to Pro Football Focus.