Cowboys Linked to Trade for Colts Cornerback Kenny Moore

The nine-year veteran is expected to be on the trade market after a Pro Bowl season.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:05am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp planes of navy blue, silver, and white representing the Dallas Cowboys' colors.A cubist interpretation of a Cowboys cornerback in action, reflecting the team's pursuit of veteran defensive talent.Indianapolis Today

The Indianapolis Colts and veteran nickel cornerback Kenny Moore II have mutually agreed to part ways, with the team seeking to trade the nine-year pro. Moore, who has made $58 million in his career, is coming off a strong season where he earned a Pro Bowl selection. The Dallas Cowboys, who lost their own nickel corner in free agency last year, have been identified as a potential landing spot for Moore if the Colts can find a trade partner willing to part with a Day 3 draft pick.

Why it matters

The nickel cornerback position has become increasingly important in the modern NFL, and the Cowboys have a need at the position after losing Jourdan Lewis in free agency. Acquiring an experienced and productive player like Moore could help solidify their secondary and improve their defense.

The details

Moore entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots in 2017 and was nearly ready to quit football after being released. He was claimed by the Colts the next day and went on to become one of the league's best slot cornerbacks, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2021. The 30-year-old is in the final year of a 3-year, $30 million contract and carries a $9.4 million base salary for 2026.

  • Moore was nearly ready to quit football after being released by the Patriots in 2017.
  • Moore earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 with the Colts.
  • Moore is currently in the final year of a 3-year, $30 million contract with the Colts.

The players

Kenny Moore II

A 30-year-old nickel cornerback who has spent the last nine seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2021.

Jourdan Lewis

The Cowboys' former nickel cornerback who left the team in free agency to join the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Jerry Jones

The owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who has admitted that losing Jourdan Lewis in free agency was a mistake.

Matt Eberflus

The former defensive coordinator of the Colts, who gave Moore the nickname 'Lightning' due to his speed and playmaking ability.

Christian Parker

The new defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, who will have input on the team's defensive philosophy and personnel decisions.

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What they’re saying

“That was one of the low spots of my life, because that's really when I felt like, 'I'm probably not built for the league.' And having that feeling of, 'You're not good enough,' that's a bad feeling. You feel like you don't belong. I lost all of my joy and passion. I didn't even want to play football. I didn't want to go to work anymore.”

— Kenny Moore, Cornerback

“If the price for Moore lands anywhere in the realm of a Day 3 pick (rounds 4-7), the Cowboys, along with the Vikings, should pounce on the opportunity.”

— Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated Reporter

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to negotiate a trade with the Colts to acquire Kenny Moore, likely involving a Day 3 draft pick. The team will also need to determine how Moore fits into their new defensive scheme under coordinator Christian Parker.

The takeaway

The Cowboys have a prime opportunity to upgrade their secondary by trading for veteran cornerback Kenny Moore, who has emerged as one of the league's best slot corners over the past nine seasons. Acquiring Moore could help solidify a key position of need for Dallas as they look to build a championship-caliber defense.