Colts Have Strong Chance of Acquiring Trey Hendrickson
Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro Trey Hendrickson has expressed frustration with his current situation, creating an opportunity for the Indianapolis Colts to pursue a trade.
Heading into the 2025 season, the Colts are focused on improving their roster, which already looks significantly different from last year’s disappointing 8-9 finish that left them out of the playoffs. They also failed to capture the AFC South title, which was claimed by the Houston Texans.
This offseason, the Colts have made several key signings, including cornerback Charvarius Ward, safety Cam Bynum, running back Khalil Herbert, and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore. They also brought back several in-house players like center/guard Danny Pinter, center Wesley French, and wide receiver Ashton Dulin.
These moves are aimed at strengthening the team for a more successful season and a playoff push. However, a trade could also be a valuable way to boost the roster if the right talent is available. One player frequently linked to the Colts is Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, a Pro Bowler and All-Pro, especially due to his connection with Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Hendrickson recently expressed his frustration with contract talks during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.
In a Bleacher Report article discussing potential trade destinations for Hendrickson, the Colts were mentioned as a strong possibility, given Anarumo’s ties to the Bengals. The proposed trade would involve the Colts receiving Hendrickson and a 2025 first-round pick (17th overall) in exchange for the Bengals receiving a 2025 first-round pick (14th overall) and a 2025 second-round pick (45th overall).
This trade deal could be a solid move for the Colts, particularly considering Hendrickson’s impressive track record, which includes four consecutive Pro Bowls and a First-Team All-Pro selection under Anarumo from 2021-2024. Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks last season with 17.5 and generated consistent pressure, as evidenced by his 83 total pressures according to Pro Football Focus.
Beyond his sack total, Hendrickson also set career highs in tackles for loss (19), tackles (46), quarterback hits (36), and passes defended (6). His success came despite playing on a Bengals defense that lacked overall talent, a situation that would be vastly different in Indianapolis, where the Colts have the interior power of DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart.
"Those comments from Katie Blackburn were definitely disappointing & communication has been poor over the last couple of months..
It's been a little bit frustrating & if they have anything they'd like to discuss we're definitely willing to listen" ~ Trey Hendrickson #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/C9PUdfKewj
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 2, 2025
If the Colts acquire Hendrickson, they could create a formidable defensive front featuring him alongside Laiatu Latu, Kwity Paye, and Samson Ebukam. This group, combined with Anarumo’s versatile defensive scheme, would put serious pressure on opposing offenses.
While a trade for Hendrickson would likely require parting with valuable draft picks and taking on a hefty contract, his ability to immediately elevate a defense makes him well worth the investment. Hendrickson could make an immediate impact in Indianapolis, just as he has in Cincinnati.
The Colts have shown interest in making this deal happen. With Anarumo’s connection to Hendrickson, there’s a good chance that general manager Chris Ballard could pull off a trade to bring the pass-rusher’s elite talents to Indianapolis.
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