Clock Ticking for Kwity Paye and Four Colts Veterans: Prove It or Move On

As the Indianapolis Colts limp into their Week 17 finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 28, 2025, with an 8-7 record and fading playoff hopes, the pressure isn’t just on making the postseason. For several key players in contract years, these final games—and the looming 2026 offseason—represent a last chance to secure their future in Indianapolis. Leading the group is defensive end Kwity Paye, the 2021 first-round pick playing on his $13.4 million fifth-year option. But he’s far from alone: fellow edge rushers Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis, wide receiver Alec Pierce, and safety Nick Cross are all set to hit unrestricted free agency in March 2026.

With the Colts facing a potential reset under owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon—amid questions about GM Chris Ballard’s long-term vision and coach Shane Steichen’s development track record—these five players are running out of time to prove they’re part of the solution. A strong finish could earn extensions; mediocrity might mean walking in a cap-strapped offseason where Indianapolis prioritizes youth and high-upside pieces around quarterback Daniel Jones (also a 2026 free agent, but likely to be re-signed after his breakout year).

Kwity Paye: The High-Stakes Prove-It Deal

Paye headlines the group as the biggest question mark. The former Michigan star has been a reliable run defender and rotational pass rusher, posting career highs in previous seasons (8.5 sacks in 2023, 8.0 in 2024). But in 2025, his production has dipped noticeably: through 15 games, he’s recorded just 4.0 sacks, 37 tackles (14 solo), and limited pressures despite playing alongside Laiatu Latu and DeForest Buckner.

At 27, Paye is still young for an edge rusher, but his inconsistency—flashes of power but lacking elite bend or counters—has fans and analysts questioning if he’s worth a big second contract. Projections suggest he could command $20-24 million annually on the open market as a solid two-way end, but the Colts have invested heavily in the position (Latu as a 2024 first-rounder) and might let him test free agency if he doesn’t finish strong.

These final weeks are crucial: a multi-sack game or dominant stretch could sway Ballard to extend him before he hits the market. Otherwise, Paye might follow the path of other Colts edges who’ve walked for bigger paydays elsewhere.

Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis: Depth or Departure?

The Colts’ edge room is crowded, and both Ebukam (31) and Lewis are in prove-it spots. Ebukam, signed to a three-year deal in 2023, has been a versatile contributor but is recovering from a 2024 Achilles tear that limited his impact. His snap counts and pressures have been solid when healthy, but at his age and with injury history, a strong finish is needed to justify bringing him back over younger, cheaper options.

Lewis, a longtime Colt and 2018 second-rounder, has been a rotational piece with flashes (career-high sacks in spot duty). But inconsistency and injuries have capped his ceiling. Both provide veteran presence, but with Latu emerging and potential draft investments, neither is guaranteed a return unless they dominate in run defense or rush situations down the stretch.

Alec Pierce: Deep Threat on Borrowed Time?

Pierce, the 2022 second-round wideout, has carved a niche as a vertical stretcher, leading the NFL in deep targets at times. His 2024 breakout (824 yards, 7 TDs) raised hopes, but 2025 has been uneven amid the offense’s reliance on Michael Pittman Jr. and Adonai Mitchell’s rise.

At 25, Pierce has youth on his side, but the Colts might balk at paying a one-dimensional receiver big money. A explosive finale—big plays stretching defenses—could lock in an extension similar to recent mid-tier WR deals. Otherwise, he risks being the odd man out in a receiving corps flush with talent.

Nick Cross: Safety Spotlight or Exit?

Cross, a 2022 third-rounder, finally claimed a starting role in 2024-25, showing growth in run support and coverage (multiple interceptions this year). But flashes haven’t erased inconsistencies—missed tackles and blown assignments—that have plagued his young career.

With Julian Blackmon entrenched and younger safeties developing, Cross needs a lockdown finish to prove he’s a long-term starter. At 24, he’s the youngest here with the most upside, but also the most to lose if he doesn’t capitalize.

These five embody the Colts’ crossroads: a talented but inconsistent roster needing players to elevate. With cap space projected but priorities elsewhere (QB extension, O-line youth), not all will return. The final games aren’t just about playoffs—they’re auditions. For Paye and company, time is running out to save their Colts careers.