Cornerback is a major area of need for the Kansas City Chiefs following the free agency departure of Jaylen Watson and the trade of Trent McDuffie. As a result of the trade that sent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams, the Chiefs inherited an additional first-round draft pick and now have the No. 9 and No. 29 selections in the first round on Thursday.
With this being a draft dominated by talented defenders, the Chiefs will likely have plenty of opportunities to improve their CB room. However, they may not have to rely solely on the draft, as ESPN Indianapolis Colts insider Stephen Holder reported that CB Kenny Moore II could be released if the franchise cannot find him a trade partner.
"Regarding the trade requests: general manager Chris Ballard gave the impression Moore would get a courtesy release if the Colts can't find a deal. He did not say that regarding quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., who he said still has a lot of value to the Colts and is immensely talented. Ballard is open to him coming back," Holder wrote on X.
Moore was not present on the first day of offseason workouts in Indianapolis on Monday, but as a 2021 Pro Bowler who is likely to hit free agency if no trade comes between now and the draft, he would be a good fit on a Chiefs team in search of a talented CB.
The Chiefs Should Make a Push for Kenny Moore II
Even though a pair of first-round picks will give Kansas City a chance to improve its CB room, it should still have its eyes on potentially bringing in Moore. He is entering the final year of his contract with the Colts, but they appear to have no intention of signing him to an extension, and his playmaking ability would certainly be welcomed by the Chiefs.
With 21 career interceptions, and seven in his last 45 games, Moore has a nose for the football and would likely make an immediate impact in the Chiefs' secondary. When you also consider that Kansas City only had 10 interceptions as a team last season, someone like Moore could be exactly what they need as QB Patrick Mahomes tries to get back to full strength following his left ACL and LCL injuries late last season.
Additionally, Moore has 649 total tackles in his career, 11.5 QB sacks, four interceptions returned for TDs, 67 passes defended, and is coming off a career-high two forced fumbles last season. That type of production is why the potential interest in Moore should only go up after it was first announced that the Colts were seeking a trade for him, especially if there is a possibility to add him to the defense without sacrificing any draft assets.
The departures of Watson, McDuffie, and safety Bryan Cook have left the Chiefs' secondary with some question marks going into the 2026 season. Kristian Fulton's future with the team is still uncertain, while Nohl Williams goes into Year 2 after a solid rookie season. With Chamarri Conner and Kader Kohou covering the inside of the field, the Chiefs have a mix of options, but also need to focus on bringing in some high-end talent to make up for those they lost earlier in the offseason.
The draft is a good place for Kansas City to start with its pair of first-round picks. However, with the Chiefs looking to bounce back from a down season, the experience and playmaking ability that Moore would provide the Chiefs should strongly encourage the front office to pursue him if he hits the open market.
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