Kwity Paye
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 22: Kwity Paye #51 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after sacking Mason Rudolph #11 of the Tennessee Titans in the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Indianapolis Colts have quietly built one of the NFL’s deeper defensive end rooms over the past few years.
They signed Samson Ebukam in 2023, drafted Laiatu Latu in 2024, and added JT Tuimoloau in the second round of this year’s draft. But heading into the 2025 season, the most tenured and reliable starter at defensive end remains former No. 21 pick Kwity Paye.
The Colts showed their commitment by picking up his fifth-year option, signaling they value his presence both on the field and in the locker room.
Despite the optimism, there remains a scenario where Paye could potentially be traded if the right offer comes along.
Paye’s Role With Colts For 2025
With an opportunity to have a career-best year, especially if younger pass rushers on the roster continue to develop, Paye is vital to the Colts’ defense in the upcoming season.
Over his career, he’s totaled 26.5 sacks, 170 tackles, and 31 tackles for loss. He has been a steady presence against the run, posting a Pro Football Focus run defense grade of 67.4 on 272 snaps last season.
Shane Steichen included Paye as one of the huge pieces of the defense that the Colts are excited for. The third-year head coach isn’t holding back on how much different the defense is going to look for Week 1.
“I think obviously with the defensive line with (DeForest) Buckner and Grover (Stewart) and (Laiatu) Latu and Kwity (Paye) and Samson (Ebukam), those guys up front. Adding Neville (Gallimore) is big. And Zaire (Franklin) in the middle. I think Nick Cross is really coming on going into his next year.. And obviously we have some competition going on at the corner spot. I really like where our defense is at, and the aggressive nature we’re playing with in training camp.”
Even as Indy invested heavily in the defensive edge, Paye’s consistency and ability to improve each year have made him a cornerstone. He’s coming off back-to-back seasons with eight-plus sacks.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report mentioned the Washington Commanders as a potential fit for Paye, and emphasized their need for someone who can help “transform a mediocre pass rush” in 2025.
Trade Possibility for Contender
If Latu makes makes a leap in Year 2, Tuimoloau delivers a strong rookie campaign, and Ebukam returns to his 2023 form, the Colts may see upside to moving Paye. The team could leverage his consistent production to acquire draft capital or a young contributor in return.
“Washington needs a young defensive end who can line up on all three downs to rush the pocket and stop the run,” Moton wrote on August 28.
“Paye isn’t a marquee player, but he’s consistent and still has room for growth. The 26-year-old has logged at least eight sacks in back-to-back seasons and 10 tackles for loss in two of his four campaigns.
Indianapolis may not be willing to give Paye a new contract before he tests free agency next offseason. If rookie second-rounder JT Tuimoloau shows flashes this year, the Colts may listen to offers for Paye. Washington has the cap space flexibility to acquire and sign him to an extension.”