Colts Get Unfortunate Update on Potential Trey Hendrickson Trade Talks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paul White | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 12:53 PM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals and star defensive end Trey Hendrickson are entrenched in one of the ugliest contract disputes in recent memory.

According to the former New Orleans Saint, the Bengals promised to give him a pay raise if he had another dominant season and he did exactly that.

Hendrickson finished with 17.5 sacks for the second straight season and was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.

Now, despite solidifying his status as one of the five best defensive players in football, Cincinnati is still playing hardball.

Hendrickson hasn’t shown up to any team activities so far this summer and he and the team have gotten into multiple battles with PR statements and media interviews.

The relationship has been tumultuous to say the least, but for the time being things look to be improving.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Sunday that Hendrickson and the team have reengaged in contract discussions.

We’ve seen hundreds of twists and turns in this seemingly never ending saga, so things could still turn sideways again, but for now the sides are peaceful.

This is unfortunate news for a number of teams who were hoping to acquire his services, but especially the Indianapolis Colts.

They had one of the worst pass rushes in the league last year, so they were banking on being able to add one of the best in the sport.

They have a superstar on the defensive line in DeForest Buckner, but there is currently nobody in Indianapolis who can reap the benefits of his dominance.

Hendrickson would have been a perfect fit and instantly transformed the Colts into one of the best pass rushing teams in the league.

There will likely be more drama between the him and the Bengals this summer, so the Colts just need to hope that there is more friction.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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