Colts' Kwity Paye 'shooting for 12-15 sacks,' DL dominance: 'We want to be the best defensive line in the league'

In every which way, Kwity Paye‘s 2023 season was his best so far.

However, the 2021 first-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts believes that there is a lot more to prove and achieve.

Continuing to enhance his sack numbers, as he has done yearly, and surpassing the double-digit threshold are at the top of Paye’s individual checklist for 2024.

“I had (4.0) sacks as a rookie, (6.0) as a sophomore, and now 8.5 in my third season,” Paye told the Draft Network’s Justin Melo recently. “I definitely want to get at least 10.5 sacks this year. I’m really shooting for 12-15 sacks, but double digits is the goal at the end of the day. I have to get there this year.”

Paye set personal career records with his previously mentioned 8.5 sacks, 52 tackles, and two forced fumbles. He was a part of the underrated front line of the Colts, which ranked fifth in the NFL with 51.0 sacks. His overall PFF grade of 74.3 was also the highest in his career to date.

One of the league’s deepest units, Indy had four players (Samson Ebukam, 9.5; Paye; DeForest Buckner, 8.0; and Dayo Odeyingbo, 8.0) with eight or more sacks. General manager Chris Ballard clearly wasn’t satisfied there, as the Colts were the first NFL team to select a defender in the spring, taking UCLA’s Laiatu Latu with the 2024 NFL Draft’s No. 15 pick.

Paye, who arguably has a stronger run game than pass rush, is in agreement with beefing up the D-line.

“Every season I’ve been here, our defensive line has improved,” stated Paye. “We set a new franchise record for defensive linemen with the most sacks in a single season last year. We aim to break that record again this year.”

In 2023, we had four players achieving more than eight sacks. This year, our aim is to push our players to reach, or even surpass that figure. We’re hopeful that all our guys will hit a minimum of ten sacks. Anticipation is high for what lies ahead.

Based on what he has observed, Paye is confident that there is a lot more to expect from Latu. Despite facing injury issues, Latu has demonstrated a readiness to learn and enhance his skills so far.

“Latu is a go-getter and dedicated worker who is passionate about football,” said Paye. “His primary goal is to improve every single day. He is driven to be the best pass rusher he can be. He is consistently inquisitive, always seeking advice such as ‘What did you observe here, Kwity?’. His attitude and approach are commendable.”

He is extremely modest and prepared to work. This is fantastic for the group dynamic. He blends in seamlessly as we are all modest and eager to give our utmost effort. We all embrace feedback from our teammates and coaches.

Paye, who has shown consistent improvement each season, was among the most uncertain 2021 first-round picks in terms of whether his fifth-year option would be exercised. It was indeed picked up, much to Paye’s gratitude. However, he is currently not interested in discussing a contract extension.

It appears that he’s a realist who still has more to prove before earning a lucrative extension.

“He said, “I’m thrilled that Chris Ballard has taken up my fifth year. Now, more than ever, I see this as a chance to prove myself. I aim to demonstrate that I am the pass rusher this team needs moving forward.”

I plan to go out there, make the sacks and improve my performance. Once that’s done, we can discuss my contract during the next offseason. As of now, my primary focus isn’t on the contract; it’s on delivering my best performance this season. We can talk about the contract and other related matters in the next offseason.

If Paye manages to achieve a double-digit-sack showing, he would certainly command a higher salary than his current $2.5 million due this season and $13.3 million club option for 2025.

The 25-year-old product of Michigan, who was born in Guinea, has consistently improved by at least two sacks in every campaign. Therefore, it is definitely achievable for him.

However, before reaching the goal for 2025, he has numerous individual and collaborative objectives to achieve with his pass-rushing counterparts, who are quickly turning into one of the most formidable defensive lines.

“He stated, “We aspire to be the league’s best defensive line. We’re certainly striving towards that goal and believe we have the capability to accomplish it this season.”