Former MVP QB headlines potential cut candidates for Indianapolis Colts

Based on Sportrac's estimates, the Colts will have $11,891,512 in cap space this offseason, the 13th most in the NFL. As the organization appears headed for a rebuild, it will undoubtedly shed more salary before free agency begins.

Here are three potential cut candidates:

Matt Ryan, Quarterback

In 12 games in 2022, Ryan threw for 3,057 yards, the fewest since his rookie year, 14 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. The Colts can save $17.2 million by cutting him before June 1. Ryan, the 2016 NFL MVP, said he has no plans to retire, so he won't go voluntarily.

Adding a veteran QB such as Derek Carr or Jimmy Garoppolo is an option for Indianapolis, but the team seems intent on breaking its tradition of pursuing mid-tier talent. 

Indianapolis holds the fourth overall pick in the draft, which puts it in a prime position to walk away with one of Alabama's Bryce Young, Ohio State's C.J. Stroud or Kentucky's Will Levis. 

Kenny Moore II, Cornerback

After being named a Pro Bowler in 2021, Moore, like many on the Indy roster, had a frustrating 2022. Moore's nickel cornerback position was not as crucial in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley's system as in previous DC Matt Eberflus', contributing to his struggles. A high-ankle sprain ended the former undrafted free agent's season early.

Pro Football Focus gave Moore a 55.7 defensive grade, 96th among league CBs, and this season marked the first time in his career that he failed to record an interception. Indianapolis would save $8.2 million by cutting Moore. 

A veteran replacement should be easy to find, and plenty of talented CBs are available in this year's draft. Impending free agents Troy Hill or Bryce Callahan would be an upgrade over Moore, albeit a minor one.

DeForest Buckner, Defensive tackle

There are better ways to use cap space than tie up a large chunk of cash in a defensive lineman when a team is rebuilding and likely to have a new QB. By trading or releasing Buckner, the Colts would save $19.75 million. 

Buckner has been a pretty consistent force for the Colts. He is durable, too, having missed one game in the past three seasons. His eight sacks this season were the seventh most among interior defensive linemen. 

Ultimately, the Colts want to save money and bolster the rest of the roster. There may not be a player available in free agency who can perform at Buckner's level. However, the Colts could replace him with a more cost-efficient alternative. 

Johnathan Hankins, a former Colt, will be available, but a younger option such as impending Browns free agent Taven Bryan might be more appealing. The Colts can always turn to the draft, but if they trade up for the No. 1 pick, there's no telling how many picks they'll have to give up.