Kwity Paye Signs with the Raiders
On March 9, 2026, Kwity Paye officially signed a three-year, $48 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders in Las Vegas. This signing comes after Paye spent five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, where he recorded 30.5 career sacks and became a reliable NFL starter.
Paye was drafted by the Colts with the No. 21 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and started 74 of 75 games played during his tenure. Throughout his career, he has accumulated 209 tackles, 50 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles, and three pass breakups. In 2023, he achieved a career-best with 8.5 sacks, followed by eight sacks in 2024.
Despite these achievements, Paye was unable to develop into the elite pass rusher the Colts envisioned, leading to his departure. The Raiders, having traded Maxx Crosby to the Ravens prior to signing Paye, are looking to fill a significant gap in their defense.
Paye’s contract includes $32 million guaranteed, reflecting the Raiders’ commitment to enhancing their defensive lineup. At 27 years old, Paye is expected to play a crucial role in the Raiders’ defensive strategy moving forward.
While Paye is not seen as a direct replacement for Crosby, he is anticipated to be part of a committee approach to bolster the team’s pass rush. The Raiders’ decision to sign Paye indicates their proactive response to addressing a major hole in their defense.
As the Raiders prepare for the upcoming season, the integration of Paye into their defensive scheme will be closely monitored. His performance will be pivotal in determining the effectiveness of the Raiders’ revamped defense.
Overall, Paye’s signing marks a significant moment in his career and for the Raiders as they aim to improve their standing in the league.