Pro Bowl CB Kenny Moore not participating in Colts' OTAs, unhappy with contract

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore's name can be added to the list of notable players across the league who are sitting out the start of their team's voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) this week. 

Moore joins the likes of seven-time Pro Bowl center Alex Mack of the San Francisco 49ers, 1,000-yard wide receiver Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders, All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer of the Buffalo Bills and standout tight end David Njoku of the Cleveland Browns as guys who aren't joining their teammates on the field yet.

According to Indy Star Colts reporter Joel A. Erickson, Moore is sitting out because "he feels he's underpaid given his importance to the Colts' defense."

"Moore was at the complex but not participating in the workout," Erickson wrote on Wednesday. "Moore signed a four-year, $33.3 million contract prior to the 2019 season that made him the league's highest-paid slot corner. But Moore's average salary of $8.325 million makes him just the 27th-highest paid cornerback, according to overthecap.com. He has two years remaining on his deal, paying him $6.75 million this season and $8.245 million in 2023. Neither year includes guaranteed money."

Moore signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in May 2017, before being acquired by Indianapolis off of waivers in September of that year. The 26-year-old recorded 38 tackles, five passes defended and one interception as a rookie across 16 games (five starts), before upping his numbers in 2018 with 77 tackles, 11 passes defended, three interceptions and 1.5 sacks in 15 games (all starts), while adding 19 tackles, four quarterback hits, three sacks, three passes defended and one interception in two playoff games that year.

A native of Valdosta, Ga., Moore was limited a career-low 11 games in 2019, but bounced back with 80 tackles, 13 passes defended, four interceptions and 2.0 sacks in 2020 over 16 contests. Moore had arguably his best campaign in 2021, setting career highs in tackles (102) and matching his career-high in passes defended (13) and interceptions (four), while earning his first Pro Bowl honor.