The Las Vegas Raiders moved quickly to address their most glaring need Monday, agreeing to terms with former Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kwity Paye. The signing comes just hours after the team traded star pass rusher Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in a blockbuster deal that netted the Raiders multiple draft picks and significant salary cap relief.

Paye, a 2021 first-round pick out of Michigan, has 18 sacks over four NFL seasons but has yet to fully live up to his draft pedigree. The Raiders are betting that a change of scenery and a defined role in their defensive scheme can unlock his potential. His contract is reportedly worth $16 million per year, a figure that reflects both his talent and the premium teams place on edge rushers.

“He’s obviously not Crosby — nobody is,” a team source said. “But we’re not asking him to be. He’s a piece of the puzzle.”

The Raiders’ defensive end depth chart now includes Paye, veteran Malcolm Koonce, and 2024 draft pick Tyree Wilson. The team is expected to continue adding pass rushers through the draft and remaining free agency.