Colts Predicted to Sign Superstar Pass Rusher in Free Agency

Indianapolis looking to bolster defensive line with top free agent Trey Hendrickson

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Indianapolis Colts are predicted to sign star Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson in free agency this offseason. Hendrickson, a four-time Pro Bowler, is expected to hit the open market after a stint with the Bengals filled with contract drama. The Colts, who finished tied for 15th in the NFL in sacks last season, are seen as a potential landing spot for Hendrickson as they look to boost their pass rush opposite young defensive end Laiatu Latu.

Why it matters

The Colts are in a 'win-now' mode after making a splashy trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner at the trade deadline. Signing Hendrickson, one of the premier pass rushers in the league, would be a major coup for Indianapolis as they look to take the next step and compete for a Super Bowl. Hendrickson's reunion with former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who now holds the same role with the Colts, could also help ease his transition.

The details

Hendrickson, 29, has spent the past five seasons with the Bengals, emerging as one of the NFL's most dominant pass rushers. He led the league with 17.5 sacks in 2024 and was a Pro Bowler in each of his first four seasons in Cincinnati. However, his tenure with the Bengals has been marked by contract disputes, and it appears the two sides are set to part ways this offseason. While Hendrickson played in just seven games last season due to injury, he remains one of the premier players at his position when healthy.

  • Hendrickson led the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024.
  • Hendrickson was a Pro Bowler in each of his first four seasons with the Bengals from 2022-2025.

The players

Trey Hendrickson

A 29-year-old pass rusher who has spent the past five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, emerging as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL.

Lou Anarumo

The defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, who previously held the same role with the Cincinnati Bengals when Hendrickson played there.

Laiatu Latu

A young defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts who would likely benefit from the addition of Trey Hendrickson to the defensive line.

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What they’re saying

“Hendrickson would reunite with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, his former coach in Cincinnati, to boost the pass rush opposite Laiatu Latu. In seven games last season with the Bengals, Hendrickson had four sacks — but his 17.5 sacks in 2024 ranked No. 1 in the league. The Colts finished with 39 sacks last season, tied for 15th in the NFL. Adding to the defensive front should be a priority for win-now Indianapolis.”

— Matt Bowen, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Colts will need to negotiate a contract with Hendrickson if they hope to sign him in free agency. The two sides will likely have to come to an agreement on the length and value of the deal, with Hendrickson likely seeking a lucrative multi-year contract.

The takeaway

Signing Trey Hendrickson would be a major coup for the Colts as they look to bolster their pass rush and take the next step as a team. Hendrickson's reunion with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo could help ease his transition, and his presence would immediately upgrade Indianapolis' defensive line. If the Colts can land Hendrickson in free agency, it would be a clear sign that they are going all-in on a Super Bowl run in 2026.