The Indianapolis Colts were on the verge of being a playoff team last season until quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending injury in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in December. The Colts finished with an 8-9 record and there are some decisions that they will have to make this offseason. Other than quarterback, Indianapolis does need some help on the defensive side of the football.
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Dec 28, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones moves along the sideline on a scooter ahead a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
There are going to be fans who question what head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard do this offseason. They are surprised that both of them stayed. Well, one player that Ballard could potentially sign in free agency this offseason is Trey Hendrickson. He has played for the Cincinnati Bengals for the last few seasons.
PFF Urges the Indianapolis Colts To Sign Trey Hendrickson In Free Agency This Offseason
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Oct 12, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers guard Zach Tom (50) blocks Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) during the first quarter of their game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Profootballfocus.com writer Mason Cameron wrote about where some defensive players in free agency should potentially sign this offseason. He believes that the Colts should sign Hendrickson in free agency this offseason. Cameron said,
“What may have gotten lost this past season amid contract holdouts in camp and an injury-shortened season is that Hendrickson is an elite pass rusher. Across the past three seasons, he ranks in the top five at his position in PFF pass-rush grade on true pass sets (92.5) and is one of just six edge rushers with a pass-rush win rate above 20%. Most importantly, he turns that dominance into sack production, having racked up the third-most sacks (39.0) in the NFL since the start of 2023, despite missing 10 games this season.
As highlighted in our look at thebest landing spotsfor the 10 highest-graded defensive free agents, Hendrickson will be highly sought after on the open market. TheBearsprofile as a strong next destination, as do the Colts, with whom he would reunite with formerBengalsdefensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
The Colts’ inability to generate consistent pressure in 2025 left the defense in a poor spot for much of the season. They finished the regular season ranked just 23rd in pressure rate (34.1%) and 21st in PFF pass-rush grade (68.0). Adding Hendrickson to the mix would help to solidify the defensive front with proven production.”
He is 31 years old. Hendrickson only played in seven games last season with the Bengals because of various injuries. He recorded 16 tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble, and one pass deflection. Indianapolis would be a good fit for him. The only thing is that does Hendrickson believe that the Colts are close to being a Super Bowl contender? If not, expect him to sign elsewhere.
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