Report: Colts exercise DE Kwity Paye’s fifth-year option

Indianapolis has exercised Kwity Paye’s fifth-year option.

The Indianapolis Colts are exercising Kwity Paye’s fifth-year option, keeping him in Indianapolis through the 2025 season, according to ESPN’s Stephen Holder.

In exercising Paye’s fifth-year option, the former first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft is set to make a total of $13.4 million, with $4.3 million of that coming in 2024, according to The Athletic’s James Boyd.

Many wondered whether the Colts’ recent first-round selection of UCLA pass-rusher Laiatu Latu would alter the organization’s thinking as it relates to picking up Paye’s fifth-year option. That didn’t turn out to be the case for Paye, who set career-highs during the 2023 season in sacks (8.5), combined tackles (52) and solo tackles (31) while also recording eight tackles-for-loss, nine quarterback hits and two fumble recoveries in 16 games played.

Since entering the league in 2021, Paye has been an excellent run-defender for Indianapolis’ defense, but his progress as a pass-rusher last season has the Colts feeling like there’s more potential for Paye to unlock in 2024 under new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge. Keeping the talented defensive end around through 2025 further speaks to that mindset.

Colts’ defensive coordinator, Gus Bradley, who spoke with local media members on Wednesday, was asked by James Boyd about Paye specifically. Bradley provided a glowing answer.

“You talk about trust; there’s a man you trust,” Bradley said. “Does things right, comes to work every day; you know what you’re going to get; highly respected by all of his teammates. I believe, and I think all of our coaches and even this organization (believe), there’s another level for him.”

Paye’s presence through 2025 adds to the Colts’ talented defensive front, which is also one of the NFL’s more accomplished units as well. Indianapolis’ defensive front set a franchise record in sacks with 51 last season, and with Paye and others, they’ll be looking to carry over that success into the 2024 season.