Trey Hendrickson
Getty
ESPN recently predicted that the Colts will sign superstar Bengals' pass rusher Trey Hendrickson in free agency
The Indianapolis Colts are in a very strange spot entering the offseason. After getting off to a scorching hot start in 2026, injuries eventually decimated the Colts to the point where they had to lure Philip Rivers out of retirement to come play quarterback for them. Now, Indianapolis is left to try and figure out how it should approach what figures to be a very important offseason of work.
Considering how Indy pulled off a splashy trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner at the trade deadline, it seems like the front office believes now is the time for the team to go all-in. With that in mind, the Colts have recently been predicted to sign the top available free agent, Cincinnati Bengals‘ superstar pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, to a mammoth contract in free agency.
Colts Predicted to Sign Trey Hendrickson
Hendrickson has spent the past five seasons of his career with the Bengals, and during that time, he’s emerged as one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL. The problem, however, is that Hendrickson’s stint with Cincy has been filled with contract drama, and it seems like the two sides are finally set to part ways this offseason.
While Hendrickson only played in seven games last season, during his first four years with the Bengals, he was borderline unstoppable. Hendrickson was a Pro Bowler in each of his first four seasons with Cincinnati, and he led the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024 (which is also the exact same tally he racked up in 2023).
It’s worth noting that Hendrickson is getting older and coming off an injury-plagued season, but when he’s healthy, he remains one of the premier players at his position. With Indianapolis needing help along its defensive line, Matt Bowen of ESPN recently predicted that it would sign Hendrickson to a big-money deal in free agency.
“Hendrickson would reunite with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, his former coach in Cincinnati, to boost the pass rush opposite Laiatu Latu,” Bowen wrote. “In seven games last season with the Bengals, Hendrickson had four sacks — but his 17.5 sacks in 2024 ranked No. 1 in the league. The Colts finished with 39 sacks last season, tied for 15th in the NFL. Adding to the defensive front should be a priority for win-now Indianapolis.”
Should the Colts Sign Trey Hendrickson?
Trey Hendrickson
GettyCincinnati Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson during a September 21, 2025 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Colts had a middling pass rush last season, although again, it’s worth noting that injuries eventually resulted in this unit’s production tailing off. Hendrickson would immediately come in and help this group take a step forward, because not only does he consistently find his way to the quarterback, but he also creates better matchups for his teammates.
Hendrickson’s free agency is certainly a bit complicated, but assuming he hits the open market, Indy should be in the running to sign him. It needs some more pass-rushing help, and Hendrickson’s former defensive coordinator with the Bengals, Lou Anarumo, is now leading the Colts’ defense. The fit makes sense, and while he may cost a pretty penny, Hendrickson is the sort of splash signing that Indianapolis’ front office should look into making.