Could the Colts Land Trey Hendrickson? Exploring the Possibility of a Blockbuster Trade
The Indianapolis Colts might just have a golden opportunity to add a major playmaker to their defensive front. With Cincinnati Bengals’ star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson reportedly open to a trade, the rumor mill is heating up. ESPN’s Ben Solak recently named the Colts as one of the top potential landing spots for Hendrickson, alongside the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons.
So, what makes Indianapolis such a strong fit for Hendrickson? And, more importantly, would this move make sense for the Colts, both financially and strategically? Let’s dive in.
The Perfect Fit: Hendrickson’s History with Lou Anarumo
One of the biggest reasons why Hendrickson could seamlessly fit into the Colts’ system is his prior experience under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. During his time in Cincinnati, Hendrickson thrived under Anarumo’s scheme, establishing himself as one of the league’s most productive pass rushers over the last four seasons.
“I was blessed to be productive under his scheme,” Hendrickson said during Super Bowl week on The Pat McAfee Show. “I think he does a good job of making it a very open room, meaning like you can talk to him about scheme—this doesn’t necessarily fit to what we think we’re going to do to attack them. Very organic, and he’s a leader of elite men. He got guys at 4-8 to rally behind a cause and continue to win football games.”
That kind of connection and familiarity could be a huge advantage if the Colts decide to make a move. It’s not every day that an elite pass rusher is available, let alone one who has already thrived under your current defensive coordinator.
Why the Colts Need Help on the Edge
Let’s be real—the Colts’ pass rush needs help. Last season, they ranked 22nd in pressure rate and 26th in sacks. Those numbers simply aren’t good enough if they want to be serious contenders in the AFC.
Adding to the uncertainty, Dayo Odeyingbo is set to become a free agent, and Samson Ebukam could be a cap casualty. If both players leave, that would leave a gaping hole in the Colts’ defensive front, making the need for an elite pass rusher even more urgent.
The good news? Indianapolis already has an exciting young core of edge rushers. But imagine pairing those rising stars with a proven game-changer like Hendrickson. That could be the kind of move that not only stabilizes the pass rush but elevates it to an elite level.
The Chris Ballard Factor: Will He Pull the Trigger?
Colts’ general manager Chris Ballard has been known for his patient, draft-focused approach to team building. He rarely makes splashy trades or free-agent signings unless he sees long-term value.
But here’s the thing: Ballard’s seat is getting warmer. If the Colts fail to make a significant postseason push next season, his job security could be in serious question. And when GMs start feeling the pressure, they tend to make aggressive moves to win now.
“Hendrickson shined under Lou Anarumo, the longtime Bengals defensive coordinator now in Indianapolis,” Solak pointed out. “The Colts are rife with exciting young edge-rushing talent and don’t need to make a move, but if GM Chris Ballard is desperate for a job-saving postseason push, upgrading with Hendrickson could provide an immediate boost.”
Could this be the moment Ballard steps out of his comfort zone and makes a bold trade? If he believes Hendrickson is the missing piece to a playoff-caliber defense, he might not hesitate.
The Financial Hurdle: Can the Colts Afford Him?
Of course, trading for a player of Hendrickson’s caliber isn’t just about fit—it’s about finances. His contract won’t come cheap, and acquiring him would mean giving up valuable draft capital.
Here’s what the Colts would need to consider:
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Hendrickson’s Current Deal: He’s under contract, meaning the Colts would not only need to absorb his salary but potentially offer him an extension.
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Cap Space Maneuvering: Indianapolis would have to rework its salary cap, likely through contract restructures and veteran cuts.
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Draft Pick Sacrifice: Any trade would cost valuable draft picks, limiting Ballard’s ability to continue building through the draft.
The Colts have several other roster holes to address, and using up significant cap space and draft picks on one player could make it harder to fill those gaps. Would it be worth it? That’s the million-dollar question.
What’s Next? Will the Colts Make a Move?
With free agency and the draft approaching, the Colts have some big decisions to make. If Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen truly believe that Hendrickson could be the missing piece, they might be willing to make a deal.
However, the competition will be fierce. Other teams, like the Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons, have been linked to Hendrickson, and they might be willing to offer more aggressive trade packages.
At the end of the day, the decision will come down to risk versus reward. Can the Colts afford to sit back and rely on young pass rushers, or should they go all-in on a proven defensive star? If Ballard decides to take the leap, it could be a move that defines the future of the Colts’ defense—and potentially his own job security.
Stay tuned, because this situation could heat up fast!
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