The Indianapolis Colts are off to their best start since 2009, the last time the team reached the Super Bowl. Excitement is building, and the team plays with more confidence each week. Indianapolis' defense has played well, but one blockbuster trade could suddenly make them a Super Bowl favorite.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson could be the trade target to propel the Colts back to the promised land. In his ninth year, Hendrickson has accounted for 235 tackles and 15 forced fumbles in his career, while also being a four-time Pro Bowl selection.
Indianapolis could use a player of his caliber to shore up a defense that has seen injury after injury take its toll. Hendrickson can pressure opposing quarterbacks with quickness and strength that would give the Colts a formidable pass rush that can also stop the run.
Trey Hendrickson would be a seamless fit for the Indianapolis Colts defense
Indianapolis defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo held the same role for the previous five seasons in Cincinnati, meaning Hendrickson would already be familiar with the Colts' defensive scheme. This would accelerate the time it takes for Trey to adapt to the system in Indianapolis. He also had an infamous contract dispute with the Bengals in the 2025 preseason, meaning a trade could happen.
Indianapolis could, or perhaps should, be in a win-now mindset. Cincinnati would not let Hendrickson go for cheap. Even so, the Colts would not want to sacrifice future seasons in an attempt to add a star playmaker like Hendrickson. Just what would Indianapolis need to give up to make the trade happen?
The most likely scenario would see the Colts give up a couple of draft picks in an initial offer. Cincinnati would likely want such compensation to come in the form of two picks in the 2026 NFL draft.
Should the Bengals want added value to seal the deal, Indianapolis could look to add veteran defensive end Tyquan Lewis to solidify the trade. Lewis would give Cincinnati a player who could step onto the field this season to mentor a young Bengals defense.
Adding Trey Hendrickson would likely make the Colts' defensive line one of the most feared in the league. An elite pass rush would also strengthen the secondary, as QB pressure creates opportunities for the secondary to make plays. Indianapolis would then be even more of a threat to beat every team in the NFL.