Colts Chris Ballard addresses Kenny Moore trade talks before NFL draft

For the first time since it was reported that the Indianapolis Colts and cornerback Kenny Moore mutually agreed to seek a trade, GM Chris Ballard spoke with the media.

With offseason programs set to begin on Apr. 21, Moore is not in attendance at the voluntary programs.

"I had a talk with Kenny," Ballard said, "think very highly of Kenny, not only me personally, but organizationally, and I know the city feels the same way. Look, at the end of the day, talking to him, he just felt like it was time for a change. Nothing much more than that and because of our respect level for Kenny, we said okay.

Ballard continued, "Not always easy, especially when you get a pillar that's been a pillar, not only on our team but in the community. And I think most of you know my relationship with him, it's close. So those are not always easy conversations, but they were respectful and good. We'll see how it works out."

When the news first broke that the Colts and Moore would explore a trade, ESPN's Stephen Holder reported that the desire was "partly a scheme fit issue."

The Colts are also quite bullish on second-year cornerback Justin Walley, who the team believes can play both inside and out, but may be better suited at the nickel position -- where Moore plays -- with Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward outside.

Adam Schefter said last week that "it wouldn't surprise" him if Moore was traded on Day 2 or Day 3 of the NFL draft -- although it still remains to be seen what his trade market looks like.