After coming close to securing a playoff spot in 2024, the Indianapolis Colts aren’t looking to make drastic changes as they prepare for 2025. However, after winning nine games in Shane Steichen’s first season and eight more in his second, the Colts feel like they’re close to breaking through.
However, to rise to the top of the AFC South, the Colts might have to duplicate the Houston Texans’ aggressive strategy. In the case of the Colts, that could involve trading for an All-Pro defender.
Related: Alarming Cincinnati Bengals news on Trey Hendrickson contract talks, 2025 status
Indianapolis Colts have interest in Trey Hendrickson trade
One of the more significant changes the Indianapolis Colts made this offseason was firing defensive coordinator (DC) Gus Bradley and replacing him with former Cincinnati Bengals DC Lou Anarumo.
Anarumo’s defenses have been too inconsistent, yet the Bengals have also allowed several key pieces to depart in free agency, surely contributing to their collapse too.
But now that the respected veteran defensive playcaller is with the Colts, he may be trying to bring a four-time Pro Bowler with him to Indianapolis.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Colts have interest in trading for Trey Hendrickson. Yet, the Bengals “don’t want to let him leave the building” after also getting the Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins contract extensions done.
Hendrickson is headed into the final year of his contract and is expected to sign an extension this offseason. Rapoport suggests Hendrickson is seeking a salary north of $30 million per season.
Still, if there’s even a part of the Bengals that are open to trading Hendrickson after the NFL’s reigning sack leader requested a ticket out of town, perhaps the Colts just need to present an incredibly strong offer, like one that’s based around the 14th overall pick in the first round. For what it’s worth, the Bengals select 17th, so a simple pick swap is likely out of the question.
Related: 2025 NFL mock draft: Latest Round 1 projections after first wave of free agency
