The relationship between the NFL’s reigning sack leader, Trey Hendrickson, and his current team, the Cincinnati Bengals, continues to deteriorate. It started with a contract dispute, then was elevated to a trade request, and now reports confirm the Bengals are shopping the elite edge rusher.
The Indianapolis Colts were named as a top landing spot in CBS Sports’ best fit rankings.
The Colts spent an early pick on Laiatu Latu just last offseason, and Kwity Paye has been a steady starter on the other side,” the article reads. Indy ranked just 25th in sacks in 2024, however, and new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo ran the Bengals’ defense when Cincinnati spent big bucks to lure Hendrickson from the Saints; he personally oversaw each of Hendrickson’s prolific seasons in the AFC North.
NFL Insider Says Colts Have ‘Shown Interest’ In Trade
The Trey Hendrickson to the Colts propaganda is out of the ‘rumor’ phase and into the ‘could actually happen’ realm.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported this afternoon that the Colts are on the short list of teams who have reached out.
“The #Panthers, #Browns and #Colts are among the teams that have shown interest in trading for #Bengals All-Pro Trey Hendrickson, per multiple sources,” Schultz tweet reads.
As another point for Colts fans, Schultz explained that a trade to the division foe is all but impossible to sell.
“An in-division and in-state trade is highly unlikely and any deal will be tough regardless. Cincinnati is believed to want an impact player (or two) plus a draft pick in return,” Schultz concludes.
Indianapolis Is The Perfect Landing Spot
There are several reasons why Indy makes sense for Hendrickson. The easiest one to point to is the fact that Indy’s general manager, Chris Ballard, has already expressed his regret in not being able to land a high quality pass rusher over the past two seasons.
Next, the Lou Anarumo connection has to count for something.
There’s no questioning that the Colts would know how to use him (Hendrickson),” writes Nate Atkins of the Indy Star. “Anarumo was the defensive coordinator Hendrickson signed with in 2021, and they went to the Super Bowl in their first year together. Last year, when seemingly everything else fell apart for the Bengals defense, Hendrickson turned in his best season.
“Anarumo needs much more than Hendrickson to be successful, as last season proved. But he does need a difference maker at a premium position, and the Colts don’t quite have one to offer at the moment.
Finally, the Colts can afford to do it. Hendrickson’s current contract demands $18 million a year, but he is expecting a raise. This means the Colts would need to allocate at least $30 million to secure him.
They currently have nearly exactly $18 million available in cap space. Since the Bengals are asking for contributors in return, shipping off a guy like Kwity Paye or Tyquan Lewis could make this an affordable exchange.
The Colts also currently have nine picks in the 2026 draft, and nine more in the 2027 draft. Meaning they have the draft capital to make a major move as well.
Colts Named Top Trade Candidate For Reigning Sack Leader Trey Hendrickson