
DE · Las Vegas Raiders
1 transaction this offseason
Height
6'3"
Weight
265 lbs
Age
27
College
Michigan
Draft
2021, Rd 1, #21
Experience
5 yrs
DE Rank
#21 / 161
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Sacks | Tkl | TFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 75 | 30.5 | 209 | 32 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 17 | 4.0 | 39 | 6.5 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 15 | 8.0 | 41 | 7.5 |
| 2023 | ![]() | 16 |
Length
3 years
Total Value
$48.0M
Guaranteed
$31.2M
AAV
$16.0M/yr
The Raiders paid market rate for a solid starter, making Kwity Paye's three-year, $48M deal ($16M AAV) a fair transaction that earns a C+ CVI. Paye fits squarely in the solid starter tier as a defensive end, and his $16M annual value aligns appropriately with that production level in today's inflated pass rusher market. At 26, he's entering his prime years, giving Las Vegas reasonable expectations for sustained performance throughout this contract window. The $31.2M in guaranteed money represents meaningful but not excessive risk, structured sensibly to protect both sides while allowing the Raiders flexibility in the back end. This signing addresses a clear need without breaking the bank — Paye won't be a game-changer, but he provides the reliable edge presence that coordinator Patrick Graham's defense requires to complement their existing pieces.
Kwity Paye earns a C+ grade that reflects the Raiders' acquisition of a legitimate pass-rushing talent. The former Colts first-round pick has shown the burst and bend that made him a top-20 selection, and his production has steadily improved each season. Paye's combination of speed and power off the edge makes him a genuine threat to offensive tackles on every snap. Las Vegas needed edge-rushing help, and Paye provides exactly that with his ability to generate consistent pressure. The grade positions him as a quality starter whose ceiling could push him into the upper tier of NFL edge defenders with continued development.
The Raiders land a solid pass-rusher with untapped upside in a sensible free-agency add. Multiple outlets graded the signing favorably, suggesting broad media approval for the move. Paye's athleticism and age profile make him a quality starter with room to grow in Vegas. Fans are buzzing about why Indianapolis let him walk rather than celebrating the Raiders' coup. If Paye stays healthy, he becomes a reliable edge presence and justifies the investment within two seasons.
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| 8.5 |
| 52 |
| 8 |
| 2022 | ![]() | 12 | 6.0 | 45 | 7 |
| 2021 | ![]() | 15 | 4.0 | 32 | 3 |
Updated Mar 18, 2026
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
D+
2025
(50% weight)
B
2024
(30% weight)
B+
2023
(20% weight)