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The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2025 season in an intriguing position. With quarterback Anthony Richardson back healthy and a strong supporting cast led by Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., and a rebuilt offensive line, there is real optimism in Indianapolis. The AFC South has grown more competitive, though, and if the Colts hope to climb to the top of the division while positioning themselves for a deep postseason run, they must shore up one glaring weakness: their pass rush.
That’s why there’s one last-minute trade general manager Chris Ballard should push hard for before Week 1 — acquiring star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Colts’ defensive front has long been anchored by DeForest Buckner, a perennial Pro Bowl-caliber interior force. While Kwity Paye has flashed as an edge defender, he hasn’t transformed into the type of game-breaking pass rusher Indy envisioned when they drafted him in the first round in 2021. Young contributors like Dayo Odeyingbo have shown promise, but consistency remains an issue.
In today’s NFL, particularly in a stacked AFC loaded with elite quarterbacks — Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and Trevor Lawrence — pass rush isn’t simply a luxury; it’s a necessity.
During the 2024 season, the Colts ranked in the league’s bottom third in sacks and quarterback pressures. Too often, quarterbacks had clean pockets against Indianapolis, exposing the secondary. Adding a proven sack artist would instantly elevate the unit and give defensive coordinator Gus Bradley the ability to call more aggressive looks instead of relying only on coverage disguises.
That’s where Trey Hendrickson enters the equation.
At 30 years old, Hendrickson remains one of the NFL’s most underrated and consistent pass rushers. Since signing with Cincinnati in 2021, he has averaged double-digit sacks per season, terrorizing opposing tackles with his relentless motor, heavy hands, and excellent bend around the edge. His ability to generate quick pressure has been integral to the Bengals’ defensive identity in recent years, especially during their 2021 Super Bowl run.
The Bengals, however, face roster challenges of their own. They must balance long-term salary cap flexibility while preparing to extend wideout Ja’Marr Chase after giving quarterback Joe Burrow the richest deal in league history. With younger edge defenders like Myles Murphy waiting in the wings, Cincinnati could be persuaded to move Hendrickson for the right price — particularly if they prefer to invest their resources elsewhere.
For Indianapolis, Hendrickson is a perfect schematic fit. Bradley’s defense thrives when it can create pressure with its front four, allowing the secondary to sit in Cover-3 and Cover-6 concepts. Pairing Hendrickson with Buckner on the line would immediately force opposing offenses into unfavorable protection assignments. Richardson and the offense wouldn’t consistently have to win shootouts because the defense could finally close games with pass-rush pressure.
The Trade Proposal
Colts Receive:
Bengals Receive:
