The Indianapolis Colts aren’t one of the 10 NFL teams that will have a new head coach when the 2026 season kicks off. But that doesn’t mean next year’s team won’t look different than the last one Colts fans witnessed.
Twenty-eight Colts players are set to enter free agency. Naturally, not all of them will be back.
Recently, The Athletic‘s James Boyd advised against the Colts bringing edge rusher Kwity Paye back for a second contract. But Paye isn’t the only pass-rusher that Boyd thinks the Colts should move on from this offseason.
“Laiatu Latu is the only edge rusher on the roster who’s shown any promise. The 2024 first-round pick had 8.5 sacks and three interceptions in his second season. Meanwhile, veterans Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis combined for nine sacks in 2025. All three will be unrestricted free agents, and none of them should be retained. What’s more, 2025 second-round pick JT Tuimoloau barely played, so it would be naive to think he’ll take a massive leap in 2026. Indy must upgrade its underwhelming pass rush via the draft or free agency to help end its five-year playoff drought.”
The Athletic’s James Boyd on Colts FAs
While the Colts would likely be wise to rebuild their group of pass-rushers, moving on from Paye would be the most notable decision. Especially considering the Colts made him the 21st overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Yet, five seasons into his career, Paye hasn’t developed into the Pro Bowl or even All-Pro potential the Colts believed he had. While he’s started 74 out of the 75 appearances he’s made, Paye has compiled 30.5 sacks in that span, topping out with 8.5 in 2023.
While Paye may very well still have his best ball ahead of him, the question is whether it will come with the Colts or with another franchise. If Indianapolis can’t see eye-to-eye with him on his value, Paye could very well take his talents elsewhere this offseason.
Related: Potential NFL Rule Change Makes Blockbuster Trades More Likely
