Colts Expected to Aggressively Pursue Bengals Star Trey Hendrickson

Indianapolis has strong connections to the Pro Bowl edge rusher and a need to bolster its pass rush.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Indianapolis Colts are expected to make an aggressive push to sign or trade for Cincinnati Bengals star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is set to hit free agency this offseason. The Colts have strong connections to Hendrickson through defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and new defensive line coach Marion Hobby, who both previously coached him in Cincinnati. Indianapolis also has a clear need to improve its pass rush after finishing with just 39 sacks last season.

Why it matters

Signing Hendrickson would be a major move for the Colts as they look to return to the playoffs and potentially save the jobs of head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Chris Ballard, who are both likely on the hot seat heading into 2026. Hendrickson is one of the top pass rushers in the NFL and would provide a significant boost to the Colts' defense.

The details

Hendrickson, 28, has been one of the most productive edge rushers in the NFL over the past three seasons, recording 35 sacks combined in 2023 and 2024. He made the Pro Bowl four times and was named First-Team All-Pro in 2023. Despite a down year in 2025 due to injury, Hendrickson is expected to command a lucrative multi-year contract in free agency, with an estimated value of around $50.8 million over two years. The Colts have the salary cap space to afford that deal and are motivated to be aggressive in pursuing Hendrickson given their defensive coaching connections and need to upgrade their pass rush.

  • Trey Hendrickson is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March 2026.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A 28-year-old edge rusher who has been one of the most productive pass rushers in the NFL over the past three seasons, making four Pro Bowls and earning First-Team All-Pro honors in 2023.

Lou Anarumo

The defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, who previously held the same role with the Cincinnati Bengals and coached Trey Hendrickson.

Marion Hobby

The new defensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts, who previously held the same position with the Cincinnati Bengals and coached Trey Hendrickson for four seasons.

Jonathan Gannon

The head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, who is likely on the hot seat heading into the 2026 season.

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, who is also likely on the hot seat heading into the 2026 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Keep an eye on the Indianapolis Colts. It's a team that wants to be aggressive... Lou Anarumo has a lot of familiarity with Trey Hendrickson. They just hired a D-line coach named Marion Hobby, who coached Trey Hendrickson for four years in Cincinnati.”

— Cameron Wolfe, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

“[The Colts] are going to be aggressive in trying to get [Hendrickson] if he does reach the market, or even if it's a sign and trade.”

— Cameron Wolfe, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Colts will need to determine if they will pursue Trey Hendrickson via free agency or through a potential trade with the Bengals if they use the franchise tag on him.

The takeaway

The Colts' aggressive pursuit of Trey Hendrickson highlights their desperation to upgrade their pass rush and make a playoff push in 2026, with the futures of head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Chris Ballard potentially hanging in the balance. Signing a dominant edge rusher like Hendrickson would be a major coup for the Colts as they look to return to the postseason.