Leading up to free agency, there is always news surrounding big-name players. Although the Colts are rarely aggressive, they must be change their ways and trade for defensive end Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals. The news broke that Hendrickson requested to seek a trade and that request was granted. The Colts are coming off one of their worst defensive performances and will have a completely new look with their new defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo. Hendrickson is very familiar with Anarumo as they both spent time together with the Bengals. Hendrickson is also a veteran end who still has much left in the tank. Paring him up with Laiatu Latu and Kwity Paye would be a nightmare for opposing offenses. If the Colts want to be a contender in the AFC South and the AFC, as a whole, they would be wise to sign Trey Hendrickson.
Why the Colts Should Sign Trey Hendrickson
His Career Thus Far
Trey Hendrickson is a First-Team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, entering his ninth year in the league. His success took flight when he left the New Orleans Saints and came to the Bengals in 2021. Since being with the Bengals, he has made four straight Pro Bowls and is coming off an All-Pro season in 2024. In the last two seasons, Hendrickson has piled up 35 total sacks, and 61 solo tackles. He also forced five turnovers, 35 tackles for loss, and 61 quarterback hits. Needless to say, Trey Hendrickson is a quarterback-wrecking machine which is something that the Colts haven’t had in one edge rusher since Robert Mathis in 2013. Therefore, acquiring a player like Hendrickson would be huge for the defense.
His Familiarity with Lou Anarumo
As mentioned, Hendrickson spent time with the Saints before moving to the Bengals. He spent the first four seasons of his career in New Orleans before having his best years with Lou Anarumo. Hendrickson arrived in Cincinnati in 2021 and has made the Pro Bowl every season since. This is due, in large part, to the leadership of defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo.
Anarumo is considered a “mad scientist” when calling defenses. He does not run a conventional scheme and, in turn, utilizes the skills of his players to maximize production. It is clear that he was able to do this with Try Hendrickson and could do the same thing in 2025 if the Colts sign him this offseason.
His Impact on the Defensive Line
If the Colts were to sign Trey Hendrickson, he would be a key asset to the defensive line. The Colts currently have two outstanding playmakers in the middle of the line with Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner. On the end of the line, though, they are still looking for stability. Kwity Paye has been solid for the team and has continued to improve, but he is not quite living up to his first-round draft-pick expectations. Laiatu Latu had a very nice rookie season in 2024 but will look to develop into a shut-down edge rusher moving forward. Dayo Odeyingbo has been very good with the Colts, but he is a free agent and will, most likely, not be back with the Colts this season.
The Colts will be playing against some of the best quarterbacks in the AFC. Josh Allen is the reigning NFL MVP, and Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes are still in their prime. Lastly, Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert have a lot of talent and much to prove in 2025. Therefore, they will need edge rushers who can be disruptive. The Colts don’t quite have that yet, but if they acquired Trey Hendrickson, they would be well on their way.
Main Photo: Kareem Elgaazar – Imagn Images