Let's assume, if you wish, that the Indianapolis Colts' quarterback situation is going to be terrible in 2025. This would be nothing new. For the last few years, Indy hasn't had great QB play. And yet, in the last two seasons, Indy has threatened to make the postseason.
What does this mean? Ultimately, the team can probably succeed to a decent level even if the quarterback isn't as good as Peyton Manning. Indianapolis has a good roster, and one with a good quarterback could be championship caliber.
As Indy is stuck with either Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson, the question might become whether the team can add to other units to make them stronger to help better overcome the quarterback issue. One such move could be the Colts trading for Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
The Indianapolis Colts should make a move for Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson
Indianapolis has been one name mentioned in rumors of teams trying to ply Hendrickson, who is upset with his contract situation in Cincy, from the Bengals. This is, in all likelihood, an agent sneaking out those rumors, as why would the team do that? It would only undermine their bargaining position.
Still, the idea of Cincinnati trading Trey Hendrickson makes sense. The team would save future money (maybe) and get back draft capital. After all, the edge rusher is 30 years old and closer to the end of his career than the beginning. But can he be good for a few more years? Absolutely.
It would give the Colts their best edge rusher since the great Dwight Freeney was part of the team.
Indy has a few options for the Bengals. One is to give Cincy a first-round draft pick and quarterback Anthony Richardson. Richardson is only 23 years old and on a rookie contract. Joe Burrow is clearly going to start for the Bengals, but his backups are underwhelming.
Plus, let's be honest. No NFL team is going to overpay for Trey Hendrickson because they know he is upset with his contract. Cincinnati is not in a great bargaining position. They can either trade him to the highest bidder (which might not be as high as they would like) or keep him and risk losing him in free agency next offseason.
They could also work out a contract extension, but this is Cincinnati we are talking about. They aren't exactly the best-run organization in football.
If the Indianapolis Colts acquired Hendrickson, the team would add him to an extremely promising edge rusher group, including second-year pro Laiatu Latu, which could create chaos along with an interior pass rush that includes Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner.
The Colts would help make a good defense great. That side of the ball could get Indianapolis a win or two more than the team might otherwise have, no matter what happens with the quarterback play. An elite defensive team is very dangerous once the playoffs begin.