The Las Vegas Raiders signed pass-rusher Kwity Paye this offseason. Let’s get to know Paye more:
Coming off slow season:
Paye had just four sacks in 2025. It tied his lowest sack output since his rookie season in 2021. Paye has 30.5 sacks in five NFL seasons with his career high being 8.5 sacks in 2023. Paye is considered more of a good edge setter than a good pass-rusher, at least consistently, if that makes sense?
Good scheme fit:
Paye, 27, is a good fit for new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard’s defense, which will feature a 3-4 base. But there will be 4-3 looks as well. Paye can be a 3-4 linebacker and a 4-3 defensive end. While he was signed with the Raiders expecting not to have Maxx Crosby on the roster, there is room for both if Crosby remains on the roster as is the current expectation.
Colts made interesting decision:
The Colts’ first-round pick in 2021 was given the fifth-year option for 2025. So, the Colts gave him a nice commitment and it was a sign that the team was interested in a long-term deal. But after his slow 2025 season, the Colts didn’t make an effort to take Paye.
Inspirational life story:
Paye was born in 1998 in a refuge camp in Guinea after the First Liberation Civil War. He was named after his his grandfather who was killed in the war. He mother took Kwity and his brother to Providence, Rhode Island when Pay was six months old. He grew up there and flourished. What a great story.
High school superstar:
Paye was the Rhode Island Gatorade High School Player of the Year as a senior in 2016. He played running back and defensive end and was dominant on both sides of the ball. After originally commiting to Boston College, Paye went to Michigan and played there for four seasons.
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