CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 26: Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson 91 during the game against the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals on October 26, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA OCT 26 Jets at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251026069
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 26: Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson 91 during the game against the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals on October 26, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA OCT 26 Jets at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251026069
Feb 16, 2026, 11:16 AM CUT
Colts Reportedly Trying Hard to Convince Trey Hendrickson to Join Amid Free Agency
It looks like Trey Hendrickson is on his way out of the Cincinnati Bengals. According to the NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, the Indianapolis Colts are trailing behind Hendrickson, who is having trouble with the Cincinnati Bengals.
“Difficult decision for Cincy. Their relationship has not been great in recent weeks. And I’m told if this deal does end up happening, free-agency-wise, keep an eye on the Indianapolis Colts.”
Even after looking like playoff favorites, the Colts ended the 2025 season with an 8-9 record, largely due to their 23rd-ranked defense. While it wasn’t the worst, the Colts certainly need stronger defensive linemen, since they conceded 349.8 yards over the season.
That's why Hendrickson could be a perfect fit. He made 11 solo tackles out of the total 16. An injury kept him out on the sidelines for a majority of the season. Overall, he recorded four sacks and one forced fumble. And ever since he joined the Bengals in 2021, he has recorded 115 solo tackles and 61 sacks.
However, there are a few complications if a deal actually materializes.
Hendrickson Deal Will Come Down to a Tag Decision
During the 2025 pre-season, it was reported that the Bengals would offer Hendrickson a new contract with a no-tag clause. This was important as the Bengals could control his moves in the offseason and stop him from becoming a free agent.
However, the Colts are ready to make even a tag-and-trade deal happen to bring Hendrickson in. While they don't have a first-round pick, they can use their second to seventh-round picks as part of the deal.
With the Chicago Bears, the Dallas Cowboys, and a few more teams in the mix to make offers, the Colts might hold one ace up their sleeve. They added Lou Anarumo to their coaching staff. The defensive coordinator helped the Bengals in a key victory against the Chiefs at the 2022 AFC Championship Game.
In just a few days, we enter the window for teams to hand out franchise tags. Perhaps that's when we'll get an update on Hendrickson!
Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!
Written by
Akanksha Biradar
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar