EXCLUSIVE: Zaire Franklin makes passionate pitch to Colts front office to re-sign Kenny Moore II

Linebacker Zaire Franklin made it apparent that the Indianapolis Colts must re-sign veteran defensive back Kenny Moore II before he becomes a free agency.

Following the conclusion of the Indianapolis Colts’ 2023 NFL season, all eyes are on the team’s future direction. That’s a concept that’s more common in Indianapolis this offseason because a number of the team’s key veterans will become free agents in March. Prominent figures like Kenny Moore II and Michael Pittman Jr. are among the list of upcoming free agents.

Though it’s widely anticipated that the Colts would make a major push to re-sign Pittman, the team’s strategy for Moore is less obvious. Moore leads the team and continues to play excellent football. Will Indianapolis move on to one of the team’s younger defensive backs in favor of him, or is that enough to get him the contract he deserves?

All of that is unknown at this time, but one thing is certain: Moore’s teammates value him and want him back in the locker room. Zaire Franklin, a linebacker, stated as much to the media on Monday. Franklin went on to remark that he doesn’t know how the defense would function without Moore, adding that he means a lot to him and the squad.

Zaire Franklin: The Colts value Kenny Moore II greatly.

With his impressive comeback season coming to an end, Moore may have had his best career season to date—only eclipsed by his 2021 Pro Bowl campaign. In 16 games this season, Kenny Moore II racked up 93 tackles, eight of which were for a loss, 1.5 sacks, six pass deflections, and three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns.

Moore was the seasoned player in the secondary and a constant shining spot, regardless of the stats. Zaire Franklin finds it difficult to see the defense function without Kenny Moore II, as he too plays a demanding and diverse position. With any luck, the team will re-sign Moore this offseason if they share the same sentiments.