The Indianapolis Colts should now be considered in serious contention to sign free-agent-to-be defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts are in play for serious help along the defensive front this offseason, and now, the biggest fish in the pond has become a serious possibility.
According to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Cincinnati Bengals will not use the franchise tag on defensive end Trey Hendrickson, which will allow him to become a free agent next week and be free to sign wherever he chooses.
"The #Bengals are not franchise tagging star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, per me and @TomPelissero," Rapoport posted on X. "One of the NFL’s best is free."
Since last year, when Hendrickson and the Bengals got into a very public stalemate regarding the veteran's contract, the Colts have been arguably the most frequently-connected team about acquiring Hendrickson. Back then, the Colts would've needed to trade for him. Now, it's just about money.
The Colts currently have a projected $32 million in salary cap space, but are likely to create more by reconsidering some of their current high-priced contracts.
Indy also has two alluring factors for Hendrickson to consider: defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and defensive line coach Marion Hobby, whom Hendrickson enjoyed playing for and was highly productive with. The trio was together in Cincinnati from 2021-24.
Between 2023 and 2024, under Anarumo and Hobby, Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks with 35.0, and his 17.5 in 2024 led the league individually.
For his career, Hendrickson has started 88-of-117 regular season games, totaling 236 tackles (74 for loss), 81.0 sacks, 163 QB hits, 15 forced fumbles, and 16 pass breakups.
The Colts are focused on reinvigorating their defensive front this offseason. The only defensive ends under contract for 2026 are Laiatu Latu, JT Tuimoloau, and Durell Nchami, as Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Tyquan Lewis are pending free agents.
Even with the group together, the Colts' 39 sacks in 2025 ranked tied for 15th in the NFL, which head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard have both acknowledged was not good enough.
NFL teams may begin negotiating with outside free agents starting at 12:00 p.m. ET on Mon., March 9, through 3:59 p.m. ET on Wed., March 11. At 4:00 p.m. ET on March 9, teams may begin officially signing those players.
Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.