Trey Hendrickson has yet to sign a contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals. The star edge rusher could get traded if he never receives an extension. The Indianapolis Colts are a team Hendrickson might end up with.
If that happens, Mike Moraitis of The Sporting News believes the move could help Indy end their playoff drought:
“The Colts are perennially one of the more disappointing and boring teams in the NFL, and it’s amazing that general manager Chris Ballard still has a job, but we digress. Adding Hendrickson is exactly the kind of earth-shattering move the Colts need to make if they want to end their four-year playoff drought.”
Hendrickson is linked to Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Due to their relationship, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox listed the Colts as a potential suitor:
“The Indianapolis Colts should also be interested, as they now employ former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo in the same capacity.
Potential Suitors: Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts”
It remains to be seen whether Trey Hendrickson gets traded. But it would be a great trade for the Colts, who are looking to get back to the playoffs.
By Trading for Trey Hendrickson, the Indianapolis Colts End Their Four-Year Playoff Drought
Colts’ Playoff Drought
The Colts were frequently in the playoffs when quarterback Peyton Manning was running the show. They missed the postseason only once from 1999-2010. During that span, they made two Super Bowls, winning one (2006 season).
Later on, the Colts made the playoffs four times in seven years led by quarterback Andrew Luck. Luck abruptly retired in 2019. Indianapolis returned to the playoffs, though, in 2020 with veteran Philip Rivers under center.
The team hasn’t made the postseason since that 2020 season. They almost made it in 2023, but they lost to the Houston Texans in the regular season finale. Indianapolis could finally end their drought in 2025 if they land Hendrickson this offseason.
Should the Colts Trade for Him?
Trey Hendrickson is one of the league’s best edge rushers. He made the Pro Bowl every year from 2021 to 2024. He was also a First-Team All-Pro in 2024. Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks last season with 17.5. Plus, he has recorded 35 sacks since 2023, which is the most in the league.
With that said, the Colts would likely have to give up a lot in a trade for Hendrickson. They would also have to sign him to a huge extension worth over $30 million per year. However, Hendrickson would be worth it.
This offseason, the Colts have focused on upgrading their defense. They went out and hired Anarumo, who was Hendrickson’s defensive coordinator in Cincinnati. Indianapolis also added quality defenders like defensive backs Charvarius Ward and Camryn Bynum in free agency. Then they drafted guys like defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau and cornerback Justin Walley.
Trey Hendrickson would certainly be a great addition to the Colts’ re-tooled defense. The team already signed former Bengal linebacker Joe Bachie this offseason. Adding his former teammate, Hendrickson could help Indy have an outstanding 2025 season and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Main Image: Kelly Wilkinson – USA Today Sports
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