Bengals predicted to cut ties with defensive starter in deadline trade with Colts

Everyone loves a good blockbuster trade, so that's why all eyes are on the Cincinnati Bengals ahead of the trade deadline.

The Bengals have one of the best edge rushers in the NFL in Trey Hendrickson, but they don't have the best relationship with him after failing to oblige his request for a contract extension for multiple years now.

Hendrickson was so disgruntled that the Bengals allowed him to seek a trade during the offseason and he held out of training camp, but he ultimately ended his holdout and Cincinnati gave Hendrickson a bump in pay for the 2025 campaign.

But that still leaves Hendrickson on the verge of free agency in 2026, assuming the Bengals don't use the franchise tag on him.

All that, combined with the fact that the Bengals' playoff hopes are in serious trouble, has led many to wonder if Cincinnati could move Hendrickson.

We can say for sure that Clutch Points' Bailey Bassett thinks a Hendrickson trade is possible.

The analyst predicts the Bengals will trade Hendrickson to the Indianapolis Colts at the trade deadline for a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 fifth-rounder.

Hendrickson's pass-rushing prowess would fit perfectly in Indianapolis. While he will likely fall short of the 17.5 sack mark that he hit in each of the past two seasons, Hendrickson's ability to get after the quarterback could be enough to get the Colts over the hump. The cherry on top is that the Colts' defensive coordinator is Lou Anarumo, who was the Bengals' defensive coordinator while Hendrickson was thriving in previous seasons.

All rumors point to the Bengals having zero interest in trading Hendrickson, but perhaps they would re-think that with another loss on Sunday.

The Colts have actually done a good job getting after the quarterback this season, with the team ranking tied for fifth in sacks. However, Indy's defense doesn't have an elite edge rusher like Hendrickson, who would no doubt provide a boost.

And, we know defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo would love Hendrickson, who had the best years of his career when Anarumo was calling plays in Cincy.

With the Colts sitting at 7-1 and looking primed to make some noise in the playoffs this season, anything and everything should be on the table for general manager Chris Ballard, including a blockbuster trade for Hendrickson if it's available.

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