The Denver Broncos have spent much of the offseason reshaping their roster and resetting the culture in hopes of regaining relevance in the AFC West. After several seasons marked by quarterback instability, coaching changes, and an overall lack of consistency, the organization has taken deliberate steps to get back on track. Sean Payton, entering his second year at the helm, has been given full control to rebuild the team his way, and so far, it appears the Broncos are trending in the right direction. From selecting quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft to bolstering key positions in both free agency and through trades, Denver has been proactive. Yet despite all their maneuvering, one glaring hole remains on the roster — and that’s why many around the league are urging the team to make one more move: sign veteran cornerback Kenny Moore II, the longtime Indianapolis Colts starter who is currently a free agent.
Moore, 28, is one of the most underrated slot corners in the NFL. A former undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State, Moore has carved out a reputation as a gritty, intelligent, and versatile defender capable of covering shifty receivers, blitzing off the edge, and contributing in run support. In six seasons with the Colts, Moore totaled 391 tackles, 9 interceptions, 8 sacks, and 49 passes defended. He was named a Pro Bowler in 2021 and has long been viewed as a heart-and-soul type of player on defense. Despite his continued solid play, the Colts opted not to re-sign Moore this offseason, instead focusing on younger talent and positional cost-cutting. That decision could be the Broncos’ gain if they choose to act quickly.
Currently, Denver’s cornerback situation features Patrick Surtain II, one of the league’s premier cover men, holding down one outside spot. Surtain is a lockdown presence who erases half the field. However, beyond him, the Broncos’ depth at the position raises significant questions. Damarri Mathis struggled mightily in 2023, and while Ja’Quan McMillian flashed potential at the nickel spot, he remains relatively unproven over a full season. Bringing in Moore would instantly upgrade the secondary, offering experience, production, and schematic flexibility that few current free agents can match. More importantly, Moore is exactly the type of player who fits Sean Payton’s vision — a grinder, a leader, and someone with a chip on his shoulder.
The Broncos defense was once the strength of the team, but cracks began to show last season, particularly in the early weeks. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph came under fire as Denver surrendered a historic 70 points to the Miami Dolphins in Week 3. Although the unit improved over time, it was clear that issues in the secondary — especially in nickel coverage — left them vulnerable. Moore’s presence would go a long way toward fixing that. His football IQ and ability to communicate pre-snap make him an asset in complicated defensive schemes. In fact, his former coaches frequently praised his ability to process offensive formations and make adjustments on the fly — a trait that would be invaluable on a defense still developing chemistry.
Another important consideration is the AFC West itself. With the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and now a rebuilt Las Vegas Raiders offense, defensive versatility isn’t just a luxury — it’s a necessity. These offenses force defenses to match up against multiple wide receiver sets, and the slot corner has arguably become the most critical position in sub-packages. Kenny Moore thrives in that role. He’s shown he can handle both slot receivers and tight ends, and he’s not afraid to mix it up in the run game. His blitzing ability is also a hidden weapon; in 2021, he had four sacks from the cornerback position, a rare feat that underscores his unique skill set.
While some may argue that signing a 28-year-old cornerback doesn’t align with a youth-focused rebuild, the Broncos are in a unique spot. They’re rebuilding, yes, but they’re also trying to stay competitive. Sean Payton isn’t wired to tank or sit on his hands — he’s aggressively pursuing ways to win now while developing for the future. The Bo Nix pick, in particular, suggests that the Broncos are hoping to strike a balance: find a long-term quarterback solution while still competing in the present. Adding Moore would be a “win now” move that doesn’t mortgage the future. In fact, with a likely affordable price tag and no long-term guarantee required, Moore fits the profile of a smart veteran signing.
Moreover, Moore’s leadership could have a ripple effect across the defense. Surtain, while incredibly talented, is still young and relatively soft-spoken. Adding a vocal veteran presence like Moore could help elevate the locker room and provide mentorship to younger defensive backs like McMillian, Riley Moss, and Mathis. In an NFL landscape where locker room culture often defines a team’s trajectory, experienced voices who lead by example are invaluable. Moore was widely respected in Indianapolis for his work ethic, professionalism, and the energy he brought to the team each week.
Financially, the Broncos are in a position to make the deal happen. After parting ways with Russell Wilson and absorbing a record-setting dead cap hit, they’ve operated with caution — but they still have room to maneuver under the salary cap, particularly if they offer Moore a one-year, incentive-laden deal. These types of contracts have become increasingly common for veterans looking to prove themselves, and they offer teams flexibility. For Moore, signing with the Broncos would be an opportunity to reset his market, showcase his value in a starting role, and potentially parlay that into a longer-term deal next offseason. For the Broncos, it’s a low-risk, high-reward proposition.
Another factor worth noting is Moore’s familiarity with similar defensive schemes. While Denver runs a variation of Vic Fangio’s system under Vance Joseph, it still requires corners to be disciplined, smart, and willing to tackle — all strengths of Moore’s game. He’s already shown the ability to thrive in man and zone coverages, and his quick feet and route recognition give him a competitive advantage even against elite slot receivers. In a division where teams often line up dynamic playmakers in the slot, Moore’s skillset matches perfectly with the challenges Denver faces week in and week out.
It’s also worth considering the broader message this type of signing would send to the rest of the locker room. When teams go into the season with one obvious hole on the roster, it can linger in the minds of players and coaches. Signing Moore would signal that the Broncos are all-in on putting together a complete team — that they’re not willing to leave a critical position to chance. It would be a move that boosts morale and shows players that the front office is committed to winning and to fielding a competitive unit on both sides of the ball.
If Denver hopes to make any noise in 2025, especially with a rookie quarterback likely starting under center, the defense must carry the weight early. And while the pass rush and run defense are important, modern football is won through the air. Shoring up the back end of the defense could be the difference between a 6-11 season and a legitimate playoff push. The Broncos have been stuck in a cycle of mediocrity for nearly a decade. Since winning Super Bowl 50, they have yet to return to the playoffs. With a new era beginning under Payton and Nix, the margin for error is thin — and the stakes are high.
Kenny Moore isn’t a flashy name. He won’t sell jerseys or dominate headlines. But he’s the type of player who helps you win football games. He’s been tested in big moments, has the stats to back it up, and carries a chip on his shoulder that matches the gritty identity Denver is trying to build. For a team looking to fill its final roster hole and take the next step forward, signing Moore would be a no-brainer. The Broncos have done a lot right this offseason. Now it’s time to finish the job — and Kenny Moore might just be the missing piece.
