The Dallas Cowboys may try to sign free agent Kenny Moore to strengthen their secondary.
The secondary for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 might be very different, particularly if Stephon Gilmore signs a big-money deal elsewhere when free agency opens.
In light of the Cowboys’ cap constraints and the potential for Dallas to be priced out of Gilmore’s market, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the team target slot cornerback in free agency. The Cowboys are currently $4 million above the cap, which would make keeping Gilmore around challenging.
Kenny Moore, a cornerback with the Indianapolis Colts, is the only free agent that the Cowboys “must sign” this offseason, according to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz.
The Cowboys’ defense was excellent in 2023 as well, finishing fifth in DVOA, and cornerback Trevon Diggs is returning after suffering an ACL tear, according to Schatz. But with Diggs and DaRon Bland holding down the outside, they might use an upgrade at slot cornerback, where Stephon Gilmore and Jourdan Lewis are both free agents.
“More about Moore, arguably the best slot corner in the league. Among all corners with at least 300 coverage snaps, he was ranked 11th in terms of coverage DVOA the previous season. The Colts were third in the slot but rated 25th overall when it came to covering wide receivers outside the zone. With 43 total run stops and assists, Moore is second among all corners, which also helps in run defense. Among cornerbacks with at least 15 combined run tackles last season, he was second in the NFL for average run tackle after a gain of just 2.9 yards.
The Cowboys are designed for their defense, as evidenced by their 2023 campaign, which featured losses to the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and a crushing playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers. Their powerful secondary and dominant pass rush help them play from a lead position. This is due to the Cowboys’ ability to blitz and force errors in the passing game when defending a lead. Moore would strengthen even more a key component and strength of the Cowboys roster.
The Reasons Kenny Moore Would Fit well with the CowboysÂ
The Cowboys’ cornerback room will have two of the most stingy perimeter defenders in the league if Trevon Diggs can get back to his previous level of play and DaRon Bland doesn’t go back to the mean after returning five interceptions for a touchdown in 2023.
However, with a potent veteran presence, Moore in the slot has the potential to greatly improve the position.
According to Pro Football Focus, when opponent wide receivers faced Moore in 2023, who recorded 93 total tackles, three interceptions, and two touchdown returns, they averaged just 9.3 yards per reception.
Moore might be one of the most sought-after slot cornerbacks in a year when there aren’t many good ones expected to be available via free agency.
In an article by PFF, Brad Spielberger states, “At 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds.” Moore is a vital member of Gus Bradley’s Cover 3 defense because he never backs down from a tackle opportunity. He performs well as the force defender to keep ball carriers inside or, when necessary, runs the alley to make the tackle himself.
“With his incredible performance in Week 9, Moore became just the 28th player in NFL history to record two pick-sixes in the same game, and he can now look to capitalize on a strong season.”
What Is Kenny Moore’s Price?
The Cowboys’ ability to shop at the top of the market in free agency may depend on the outcome of their upcoming contract extension negotiations with quarterback Dak Prescott and how much salary room they are able to produce by revising his deal.
A to Z Sports reports that Moore might earn a two-year deal of $18.5 million, with $9.5 million fully guaranteed and an estimated $3.5 million cap hit in 2024.
In the early days of free agency, the Cowboys may decide to seek Moore without worrying about going over budget if Moore’s contract ends up looking anything like that level of affordability in its first season.
