The nickel corner is a position typically overlooked when it comes to conventionally ‘elite’ NFL defenses. Swift linebackers, play-making corners, and powerful edge rushers generally steal the spotlight, but that hasn’t been the case for one such nickel corner, quietly beginning to make his presence known. Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II has quickly become one of the game’s rising stars, making his first Pro Bowl appearance after his stellar 2021 performance.
Looking at the Stats
In what looked like a promising season until a late year collapse, Moore recorded 102 combined tackles, 82 solo tackles, four interceptions, one sack, and a forced fumble. That made Moore responsible for five of Indy’s 33 takeaways, alone. These are undeniably ‘elite-level’ statistics from a moderately dismissed position. Does that performance warrant a new ‘elite-level’ contract?
Related: Moore’s 2021 performance broken down
The Colts’ Predicament
Moore and the Indianapolis Colts are in a bit of a difficult situation this off-season. Training camp kicks off in Grand Park in less than two weeks. However, Moore may be threatening to hold himself out of mandatory training camp, expressing displeasure with his current contract. Back in 2019 Moore signed a four-year, 33 million dollar contract including nine million in guaranteed money. That gives him just one more season under contract with the Colts. Most NFL fans couldn’t deny that Moore has definitely outplayed his current contract and is deserving of a new one. Although, others would argue that the Colts put him into the position to succeed by giving him what was considered a generous contract back in 2019.
Where do we go from here?
Without the Colts, would Moore have been able to reach the elite level of play he’s currently at, or would he still be stuck on New England’s practice squad? Indy doesn’t want to set a risky precedent in issuing players new contracts before their current ones are up. The bottom line is, there’s other players they need to pay first. Nelson is due for a massive extension, likely before the start of the season. Soon, players like Taylor and Pittman will be up for their new contracts. If those two continue to play at the level they have been, there’s potential for those contracts to be hefty as well. What are the Colts going to do if Matt Ryan gets back to 2016 form? Moore has proven to be one of the best corners in the game, but it will be interesting to see which side is the first to budge.
1 Comment
Could be a plug and play position