As the Indianapolis Colts gear up for the 2025 NFL season, the air is thick with anticipation and a sense of urgency. With quarterback Anthony Richardson returning to full health and a dynamic supporting cast that includes star running back Jonathan Taylor and standout receiver Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts find themselves on the brink of something significant. However, lurking in the shadows is a glaring deficiency that could derail their ambitions: a lackluster pass rush that demands immediate attention.
To position themselves as serious contenders in the increasingly competitive AFC South, the Colts must act decisively and make one bold move before the season kicks off—trading for the exceptional edge rusher Trey Hendrickson from the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Colts have long relied on DeForest Buckner as the cornerstone of their defensive front, a perennial Pro Bowl presence. Yet, while Kwity Paye has shown flashes of potential, he has not emerged as the game-changing pass rusher Indianapolis envisioned when they selected him in the first round of the 2021 draft. Although promising young players like Dayo Odeyingbo are in the mix, inconsistency remains a significant hurdle.
In a league that features an elite class of quarterbacks—think Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and Trevor Lawrence—having a formidable pass rush is no longer optional; it’s essential. Last season, the Colts languished in the bottom tier of the league in both sacks and pressures. Opposing quarterbacks often found themselves with ample time to pick apart a secondary that needs more support. Bringing in a proven sack master like Hendrickson would not only elevate the defensive unit but also empower defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to unleash a more aggressive game plan.
Hendrickson, at 30 years old, is one of the league’s most underrated forces on the edge. Since joining the Bengals in 2021, he has consistently racked up double-digit sacks, wreaking havoc on offensive lines with his relentless drive and exceptional technique. His quick pressure capabilities have been crucial to Cincinnati’s defensive success, particularly during their Super Bowl run.
However, the Bengals face their own roster dilemmas as they prepare to extend star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and balance salary cap constraints following quarterback Joe Burrow’s historic contract. With younger edge rushers like Myles Murphy emerging, Cincinnati could be tempted to offload Hendrickson for the right price, especially if it allows them to allocate resources more strategically.
For the Colts, Hendrickson represents a perfect fit within Bradley’s defensive scheme, which thrives on generating pressure with its front four. The combination of Hendrickson and Buckner would create nightmares for opposing offenses, forcing them into challenging protection schemes. This would alleviate some of the pressure on Richardson and the offense, allowing them to capitalize on turnovers and create extra scoring opportunities.
The proposed trade would see the Colts acquire Hendrickson in exchange for a package that includes a 2026 second-round pick, a 2025 fourth-round pick, and Paye himself. This deal is advantageous for both parties. The Colts bolster their defense for a playoff push without sacrificing their future significantly, while the Bengals gain valuable draft assets and add a young edge rusher with untapped potential.
While acquiring Hendrickson won’t come at a bargain price, for a team with playoff aspirations, investing in elite talent can be the critical difference that transforms a competitive squad into a legitimate championship contender.
Should the Colts make this trade, they would immediately establish one of the most fearsome defensive lines in the AFC. The combination of Buckner’s interior pressure and Hendrickson’s explosiveness off the edge would create chaos for quarterbacks, particularly within the division, where they would face C.J. Stroud, Trevor Lawrence, and Will Levis.
This year is pivotal for proving Richardson’s potential and maximizing the effectiveness of the Colts’ roster while their star players are still in their prime. With one last-minute move before the season starts, the Colts can significantly enhance their chances of making a deep playoff run come January. The time for action is now, and securing Trey Hendrickson could be the key to unlocking Indianapolis’s full potential.
