Kenny Moore trade would be a massive win for Jets, even if they don't get him

As the New York Jets decided to completely immolate their entire roster by way of trading cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts, they did so while conceding that Indy was ready to win right now. Just a few months after that trade, the Colts may already have some severe buyer's remorse.

Not only did the Colts trade what became the No. 16 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft (which was at the end of the first round when the deal was made), but they also surrendered their first-round pick next season in addition to wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. At least the Colts are contenders, right?

Well, not really. On top of the fact that quarterback Daniel Jones is coming off an Achilles injury, their mighty Gardner-led secondary has taken a major blow when it was announced that star nickel cornerback Kenny Moore II has requested a trade after nine seasons with Indy. Suddenly, this roster looks defanged.

In the span of just a few months, the Colts went from a contender to a team that the Jets are hoping can help them land a top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Trading Moore is an outcome the Jets must hope comes to fruition, as it makes Indy a much worse team.

Colts shipping Kenny Moore II would be a huge win for Jets

The Jets have control over their own first-round pick next year in addition to the Colts' pick and whichever of the Green Bay Packers or Dallas Cowboys is worse. If the Jets' offseason signings all pan out, the Colts may end with the worst record out of all these teams.

On top of losing leaders like Michael Pittman Jr. and Zaire Franklin, in addition to the Moore rumors, they paid Daniel Jones an eye-watering contract right after he suffered a serious torn Achilles injury that could impact his overall performance.

If the Colts trade Moore and Jones starts to regress, the improved AFC South could make it tough for Indianapolis to get much positive momentum. While unlikely, there is a scenario wherein the Jets end up with multiple top-10 picks in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Even though Gardner is in Indianapolis, Jets fans will be rooting as hard against the Colts as any AFC South rival. If trading Moore improves the Jets' chances of getting a top pick, they need to hope that the situation can resolve itself sooner rather than later.