After a rough 2025 campaign, the former first-round pick and defensive end, Kwity Paye, could leave in free agency for a new start. According to a source, Paye is likely to depart from the Indianapolis Colts, who are expected to prioritize other free agents, including star wide receiver Alec Pierce. The defensive end had a promising 2023 regular season, recording 52 tackles while finishing second on the team with 8.5, but his numbers have plummeted since exercising his fifth-year option on his rookie contract, lasting up to now. Paye won’t be the most exceptional edge rusher for a team, but he does provide some potential for a roster that’s in dire need of strengthening the defensive corps.
Former Colts First-Round Bust Kwity Paye Expected to Leave in Free Agency – 3 Teams Should Be Interested
While the Colts’ defense showed significant improvement during the 2025 season, it collapsed near the end. Under the new defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, standout performances came from defensive end Laiatu Latu and safety Cam Bynum. While they did trade for Sauce Gardner to give Daniel Jones an advantage to get more reps on offense, it ultimately didn’t work out. Gardner couldn’t make a major contribution, and after losing Jones to a season-ending injury, the Colts dropped most of the game for the rest of the year.
This isn’t the scenery for Paye, especially when the Colts will be rebuilding either way. Indianapolis will let him walk, as his recent performance this past season isn’t enough for the team to justify compensating him in his next deal. The defensive end should have plenty of suitors on a cheap contract, and these three teams may target him.
Next Possible Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
If anyone loves making low-stakes investments in the defensive line, it’s head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Harbaugh wants to win games with a strong, physical defense, but he’s been avoiding getting at least a few key superstars. While Da’Shawn Hand was a hidden gem to help Teair Tart on that line, they could follow the same philosophy for the 2026 season.
Even though most of the attention will be on the offense during the offseason after the Chargers fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the team can’t ignore upgrading its defense. They were able to hold off Drake Maye for at least three quarters in the wild-card, but ultimately couldn’t deliver a win. The Chargers should make a splash trade here, but Paye would be a decent investment in a rotational role.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys are building one of the best interior defensive lines between Osa Odighizuwa, Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams. After the trade deadline, the team saw a slight improvement, but it wasn’t enough to make it to the postseason. Williams and linebacker Logan Wilson were still solid additions, but they need the right defensive coordinator who has a “dog” mentality while searching for a new defensive end.
The Cowboys will re-sign Jadeveon Clowney while probably letting Dante Fowler Jr. walk in free agency, which opens up a spot for Paye. He will join a promising defensive line as long as the team selects a proper defensive coordinator after firing Matt Eberflus.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Commanders will begin their rebuilding process after a rough 2025 campaign that led to Jayden Daniels hurting his elbow. The offense was off balance, but the same could be said defensively, despite having the pieces together on the defensive line, except for Dorance Armstrong. The Commanders brought back Preston Smith for temporary relief while signing Drake Jackson to a future deal. It’s not enough for this team to bring home a championship, but they could take a chance on Paye for a one-year deal while they’re rebuilding and experimenting with what works, especially since they fired former defensive coordinator Joe Whitt.