Colts free-agent rumor details Indianapolis' level of interest in Trey Hendrickson

One of the most intriguing pending free agents this offseason is Cincinnati Bengals star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.

Despite a down year in 2025 that was marred by injury, Hendrickson has cemented himself as one of the best edge rushers in the NFL during his career and players of his caliber don't often hit the open market.

Hendrickson tallied 35 sacks combined between 2023 and 2024, the most in the NFL, and he has four Pro Bowl nods and one All-Pro selection.

The expectation is that Hendrickson will leave Cincinnati in free agency, although the possibility remains that the Bengals will use the franchise tag and turn around and trade him.

Colts-Trey Hendrickson rumor

Whether it's via trade or free agency, the Colts are expected to have interest in Hendrickson, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.

"Keep an eye on the Indianapolis Colts," Wolfe reported. "It's a team that wants to be aggressive... Lou Anarumo has a lot of familiarity with Trey Hendrickson. They just hired a D-line coach named Marion Hobby, who coached Trey Hendrickson for four years in Cincinnati."

"[The Colts] are going to be aggressive in trying to get [Hendrickson] if he does reach the market, or even if it's a sign and trade," Wolfe added.

Along with his connections to Anarumo and Hobby, another reason to believe the Colts will have significant interest in Hendrickson is the fact that Indianapolis finished with 39 sacks last season and needs more juice in the pass-rush.

Another source of motivation to sign Hendrickson is job security.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Chris Ballard figure to be on hot seats going into 2026 and that should leave both with an elevated sense of urgency to go all-in to get Indy to the playoffs.

Signing or trading for Hendrickson would qualify as that kind of move.

According to Spotrac, Hendrickson is estimated to land a two-year, $50.8 million deal in free agency. The Colts are well-positioned to afford that with $35.5 million in projected cap space going into the offseason.

More NFL News

• Former NFL QB's comeback comment is good news for Vikings
• Seahawks block Kubiak, Raiders from interviewing assistant coach
• Mike Evans rumor from ESPN is promising news for Bills, Pats, Broncos
• San Francisco 49ers' Kendrick Bourne makes free agency plans clear
• Maxx Crosby trade rumor gives price point to Cowboys, Pats, Seahawks
• Eagles trade rumor is exciting news for 49ers, Chiefs, Raiders, Broncos