Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts have taken care of their own this offseason, exactly what they said they'd do.
The latest is corner Kenny Moore. NFL Network's Ian Rapaport reported the extension on Twitter.
The #Colts and CB Kenny Moore have agreed to terms on a 4-year extension, source said, one that makes him the highest paid slot CB in the NFL on new money. He had a year left, then an RFA tag. This replaces the tag and more. He can also play outside, but is their starting slot.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 13, 2019
The move is telling, for a few reasons, but none more so than its timing. Moore was entering the final year of his deal in 2019 and would have hit restricted free agency next spring meaning the Colts could have matched any offer given to him.
The team wanted no part of that.
It wanted Moore with them for the long haul.
The New England Patriots signed the 23-year-old Valdosta State product as an undrafted free agent in May 2017. The Colts claimed him off waivers in September of that year, and he's since developed into a key defensive cog.
Moore tallied 77 total tackles, 11 passes defended, three interceptions, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble across 15 appearances in 2018. Pro Football Focus graded him as the league's 48th-best corner.
Moore said he's focused on “keeping the same drive” despite his breakout campaign, and aims to play an even larger role in the defense this year.
“Just to become more of a leader and clear up the little things. I just want to do the ordinary things better than anybody else,” Moore told reporters in April. “Just clean up the little things and become a leader in the room.”
Indianapolis' pass defense, which was a long-term weakness, improved from 28th in passing yards allowed per game in 2017 to 16th last year.
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