Raiders Sign Former Colts DE Kwity Paye

New addition aims to help fill void left by Maxx Crosby trade

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Las Vegas Raiders have signed former Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kwity Paye to a multi-year contract. Paye, a first-round pick in 2021, will help provide pass rush support after the Raiders traded away star DE Maxx Crosby. While Paye is not expected to be a direct replacement for Crosby, the Raiders are hoping to unlock more of his potential on their defensive line.

Why it matters

The Raiders made a major move in trading away Maxx Crosby, one of their best defensive players, which created a significant hole on the defensive line. Signing Paye is an attempt to address that need and add a talented young pass rusher to their roster.

The details

Paye, 24, was the 21st overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Colts. In his first two seasons, he has recorded 9.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. The Raiders signed Paye to a 4-year, $64 million contract, which averages $16 million per year. While Paye has shown flashes of potential, he has yet to fully break out at the NFL level, and the Raiders are hoping a change of scenery and coaching can help unlock more of his talent.

  • The Raiders signed Paye on the first day of the 2026 NFL free agency period (March 9, 2026).
  • Paye was originally drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1st round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

The players

Kwity Paye

A 24-year-old defensive end who was a first-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2021. He has 9.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss in his first two NFL seasons.

Maxx Crosby

The Raiders' former star defensive end who was traded away, creating a need at the position that Paye is expected to help fill.

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What they’re saying

“Kwity Paye is a talented young player who we believe can help improve our pass rush. While he may not be a direct replacement for Maxx Crosby, we're excited to integrate him into our defense and see what he can do in a new environment.”

— Dave Ziegler, Raiders General Manager (reviewjournal.com)

What’s next

The Raiders will look to further bolster their defensive line through the upcoming NFL Draft, where they have multiple early picks after the Crosby trade.

The takeaway

The Raiders are making a concerted effort to rebuild their defense this offseason, starting with the addition of Kwity Paye. While he may not be a star on the level of Maxx Crosby, the team is hoping Paye can develop into a productive pass rusher and help fill a major void on their defensive line.