After a bit of a sluggish start to his NFL career, Indianapolis Colts pass rusher Kwity Paye has improved with each season since being chosen 21st overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Paye, 25, is coming off the most productive season of his career, after posting 8.5 sacks and 52 total tackles during the 2024 season.
However, the former refugee of the Liberian civil war has sights set on even loftier goals for this upcoming campaign.
Paye says he hopes to push for between 12-15 sacks this fall.
“I see it as a prove-it thing now more than anything,” Paye said, via Justin Melo of TheDraftNetwork.com. “I want to prove that I’m what this team needs in a pass rusher moving forward. I’m going to get out there and get the sacks, get the production. After I do that, we’ll have those contract discussions next offseason. For the most part, I’m not really worried about that [this year]. I’m worried about having my best season yet. We’ll discuss all that other stuff next offseason.”
The Colts are going to eventually have a decision to make when it comes to Paye’s future, but, the fact that Indianapolis picked up his fifth-year option shows confidence that they believe his best football might still be in front of him, and are willing to evaluate him for at least one more year on his rookie deal.
For now, Paye seems content not to push for a contract extension this season, which could prove to be a smart bet on himself, especially if he is able to live up to the lofty expectations he’s set for this season.
