NFL insider reveals what the Colts might have to give up in order to trade for a disgruntled star player ahead of the 2025 season

What the Colts could offer if they were to try to trade for Bengals star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson 

Colts' proposed trade offer: 

Colts get: Trey Hendrickson

Bengals get: 2026 second-round pick, 2027 fifth-round pick

"Why this deal makes sense for both sides: This sort of urgent move from Indy general manager Chris Ballard would solidify the edge of new coordinator Lou Anarumo's defense. Anarumo would gladly reunite with Hendrickson after they spent four seasons together in Cincinnati.

It's clear the Bengals aren't getting a first-rounder for Hendrickson -- or else a deal would have been done by now -- but the elite pass rusher still has immense value. They would be smart to capitalize on a trade like this if they aren't going to pay him what he wants. The Colts have around $20 million in cap space to orchestrate a new contract for Hendrickson."

- ESPN's Jeremy Fowler

Seeing Fowler pitch the Colts as a potential landing spot for Hendrickson shouldn't come as a surprise. They have been linked to the 2024 sack leader all offseason long. Due to the Colts hiring Lou Anarumo as their new defensive coordinator, who spent the last few years with the Cincinnati Bengals, with Hendrickson. The Colts made improving their defense a top priority for this past offseason. They landed two top free agents to elevate their secondary in Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum, so landing Hendrickson could be the final piece to finalize the team's new look defense.

Sadly, the biggest hurdle that has been in the way of the Colts trading for Hendrickson all offseason still remains. The Bengals have handled this situation as poorly as they could have, and don't seem to want to get out of it. They are reluctant to pay Hendrickson, and multiple teams that tried to negotiate a trade with the Bengals felt that the team was leading them on, with no real willingness to finalize a deal. If the Bengals become more willing to move Hnedrickson, I would be interested to see if the Colts would still be involved in negotiations. And if the cost is what Fowler shared, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick, I think the Colts should pull the trigger.