2026 Colts Free Agent Watch: Kwity Paye
INDIANAPOLIS – It was a Lou Anarumo quote late in the season not directly about Kwity Paye, but certainly could apply to his 5-year NFL career.
“You want to,” Anarumo began, “got to be able to set the edge and rush the passer, and maybe not necessarily in that order.”
Calling Paye a strong edge setter is a fair statement.
Calling him not a strong pass rusher is a also a fair statement.
And when you are drafting a defensive end in Round 1, you need more in that second department.
Paye will hit free agency this offseason for the first time in his NFL career.
Unlike a few other Colts free agents, Paye’s contract year was not a banner one.
Despite playing all 17 games this season, Paye had just 4 sacks (88th in the NFL) and 6 tackles for loss (123rd in the NFL).
Back in May 2024, Chris Ballard decided to retain Paye on a 5th year option, priced at $13.3 million for this past season.
Safe to say, the Colts didn’t get that return on investment from their 2021 first-round pick.
While Ballard clearly has had some affinity for Paye, it’s hard to argue a return for him, given his lack of consistent pressure.
Plus, was Ballard tipping his hand at defensive front changes during his season-ending presser back in January?
