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General manager Chris Ballard and defensive back Kenny Moore both joined the Indianapolis Colts in 2017.
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard met with the media Monday morning to answer questions ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins April 23rd. Among all the draft-related questions he received, he also cleared the air and provided updates on defensive back Kenny Moore’s trade request. Ballard stated that in talks with the Colts’ four-time team captain, the decision to allow him to seek a trade was tough, but ultimately made out of respect.
“[I] think very highly of Kenny, not only me personally but organizationally, and I know the city feels the same way,” Ballard stated. “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.”
Nathan Brown of the Indianapolis Star reported that, “Though he didn’t say so explicitly, Ballard indicated he may be willing to release Moore, saying Moore would be given ‘some latitude,’ though he wouldn’t commit to such a move if a trade partner couldn’t be found in the near future.”
Kenny Moore’s Impact Was Minimal In The Colts New Defensive System
GettyIndianapolis Colts defensive back Kenny Moore recorded 55 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks, an interception, and a touchdown in 2025.
Despite Moore being one of the Colts’ best defenders throughout his Indy tenure, moving on could be good for both sides. In his first year under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Moore didn’t impact the team the way he has in the past. He posted a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 66.7 last season, his worst since 2022, and was ranked 39th out of 114 cornerbacks.
A change of scenery and scheme may help him bounce back from an average year by his standards. Trading him ahead of June first also would save the Colts $7.06 million against the cap and cost them just $6.05 million in dead money.
Moore will not attend the Colts’ offseason program in the midst of the trade request. Anything is possible, but it does appear that his nine-year career with the Colts is over.
Chris Ballard Expects DE Laiatu Latu to Break Out
GettyThe Indianapolis Colts selected UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu with the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
While moving on from Moore would mean the Colts lose one of their top defensive presences, Ballard briefly identified a player he believes can carry the load. When reflecting on the Colts’ defensive line additions in the past and predicting their impact this upcoming season, Ballard noted, “We just haven’t got the consistent double-digit sack guy, which I think (Laiatu) Latu can be. And I think he’s on the verge of really breaking out.”
Latu more than doubled his sack total from his rookie to his sophomore season. His second year featured one of the more impressive statistical charts you will see as he recorded three interceptions and five passes defensed while also tallying eight and a half sacks.
Latu’s pass-rush ability is what landed him as the top defensive player selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Fans are hoping that Latu does indeed take a third-year leap and that we will begin to see some of what Lou Anarumo accomplished with Trey Hendrickson in Cincinnati.
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