Kwity Paye
Getty
Kwity Paye leaves the Indianapolis Colts after five seasons
After the Indianapolis Colts spent $116 million to keep Alec Pierce back for another four years, the team lost one of the most notable free agents.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reveals EDGE rusher Kwity Paye has signed a three-year, $48 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders. Schultz also revealed that the pass rusher will receive $32 million in guarantees.
Jordan Schultz
Sources: Former #Colts DE Kwity Paye is signing with the #Raiders for 3 years, $48M.
Paye, the former first-round pick, started 74 games for Indy and has 30.5 career sacks.
Paye, who was the 21st overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, leaves the organization after recording 30.5 sacks and 209 tackles in his five seasons with the team.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard said at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine that the team will look to improve at getting younger and faster in the defensive front 7.
With free agency continuing and the NFL Draft over a month away, Indy can continue to improve the defensive front across the board.
Kwity Paye will have some big shoes to fill when joining Las Vegas after the team traded star EDGE rusher Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens.
Filling In the EDGE Role
Bears trade deadline
GettyThe Colts made an addition to the defense in free agency
The departure of Kwity Paye comes soon after the Indianapolis Colts signed EDGE rusher Arden Key to a two-year, $20 million deal with $11 million in guarantees.
Key spent the last three seasons with the Tennessee Titans, recording 16.5 sacks, 94 total tackles, 3 pass deflections and 4 forced fumbles. In his career, Key has registered 30.5 sacks and 192 tackles.
Signing Key comes at a team-friendly deal and is cheaper than Kwity Paye, who will have a higher AAV the next couple of seasons.
Moving on from Paye, though slightly cheaper, makes it easier for the team to sign Daniel Jones after placing the QB on the transition tag.
Adding Key comes at a slight confusion as to what Chris Ballard mentioned about getting younger and faster in the defensive front, as Key will be 30 years old at the start of the 2026 season.
There is still plenty of time before the start of next season to add players that fit the label and pair them with the Colts’ second-year defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo.
Colts At Impasse with Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones Indianapolis Colts
GettyDaniel Jones #17 of the Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts want Daniel Jones to be the team’s next long-term option at quarterback, but are having a hard time agreeing on a number.
It was reported that the former Duke Blue Devil is asking for at least $50 million a year, something the Colts are nowhere near achieving just yet. As of now, Indy has reportedly offered the quarterback a three-year, $100.5 million deal.
While both sides seem eager to get a deal done, creating cap space is the big issue in getting that deal done, especially after the Alec Pierce signing.
Daniel Jones is also available to sign with other teams if not happy with the Indianapolis Colts deal.