The Indianapolis Colts made the decision earlier in the offseason to exercise the team option in Kwity Paye's contract, but his future beyond that remains uncertain.
In a report from Stephen Holder of ESPN, the Colts "are not believed to have entered into negotiations on an extension for Paye just yet" as the offseason workout program concludes next week.
Paye, the No. 21 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been improving every season across his first three years in the NFL. He hasn't reached his ceiling yet, but he has shown encouraging improvements in every season.
The decision to exercise Paye's fifth-year option, which keeps him under contract through the 2025 season, was the right call. The Michigan product still has plenty of upside left in his game to develop if he's able to tap into it.
That didn't stop the Colts from having a contingency plan in the 2024 NFL Draft, though. They used the No. 15 pick on edge rusher Laitu Latu, widely regarded as the most polished pass-rusher in the draft.
Though Latu and Paye essentially hold different roles on the defensive line, Latu's presence does give the Colts a bit of security if Paye doesn't continue to develop.
The Colts waited until the final day of the deadline to make their decision but by exercising the option, it is scheduled to cost them $13,387,000 fully guaranteed for the 2025 season.
For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
