Indianapolis Colts know how the team works with general manager Chris Ballard in control. Offseason deals and solid drafts? Sure. But trade deadline deals? Don't count on it.
In nine seasons as Indy's GM, Ballard has made only one deadline trade, and that was only to complete a previous trade. In 2022, Ballard sent Nyheim Hines to the Buffalo Bills in return for Zack Moss and a draft pick. Not overly exciting.
But Ballard and his Colts are in a different spot in 2025. The team appears to be really good. So good, in fact, that Indianapolis could rightfully have Super Bowl aspirations. To get there, the team needs to sure up some things, though, especially defensively.
Chris Ballard rumored to be aggressive for the Indianapolis Colts ahead of the trade deadline
The good news for Indy football fans is that well-known X handle RickeyScoops tweeted in the hours before the November 4th deadline that, unlike most years under Ballard, Indianapolis is making many calls to other teams to see what it might take to acquire players. One of those players is Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
And before anyone gets too dismissive of Rickey, just remember that he has beaten NFL insiders to breaking news several times before. He announced Aiden Hutchinson's signing of an extension with the Detroit Lions before anyone else, for instance.
Maybe whoever Rickey is actually knows his stuff. Maybe he is the handle for a league insider who doesn't want to reveal his real identity. The truth is, he (or she) has simply been right and first about too many things not to be taken seriously.
Sounds like the #Colts are calling teams and trying to land a cornerback before today's 4 pm deadline.
— Rickey (@RickeyScoops) November 4, 2025
The #Colts also called the #Bengals regarding Trey Hendrickson and a team to watch if he's moved today #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/TO8501T4SA
In other words, Chris Ballard might very well be on the verge of treading new ground as the Indianapolis Colts general manager and be ultra-aggressive at the 2025 trade deadline. One would assume he is eyeing a defensive player or three. The offense has been too good, seemingly with no holes to mess with.
Trey Hutchinson would make a lot of sense for the Colts, though. Ballard has shown a penchant for acquiring former Cincinnati Bengals players who worked under current Indy defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo when Anarumo was with Cincy. Mike Hilton, Joe Bachie (who failed in Indianapolis), and Germaine Pratt were with Cincinnati last year and have played for Indianapolis this year.
Plus, the Colts must improve their pass rush, and Hendrickson instantly does that. He did miss Week 9 with a hip injury, but the issue isn't expected to be long-term. He's also in the final year of his contract. If there was a perfect time to trade for Hendrickson, it is now, and Chris Ballard needs to do that.