Jan. 28, 2026, 4:13 p.m. ET
When the NFL’s free agency period begins in mid-March, which outside free agent addition should the Indianapolis Colts be looking to make?
Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus recently answered that question for each NFL team. When it comes to the Colts, the selection seems obvious — pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.
“Despite his age and injury history, Hendrickson has displayed no signs of slowing down,” Locker wrote. “The All-Pro has posted a 20.0% pass-rush win rate or better in each of the last five seasons, including at least a 25.3% mark on true pass sets.”
Hendrickson is PFF’s No. 1 ranked free agent this offseason.
There are a few reasons that this seems like a clear connection. For one, Hendrickson spent several years in Cincinnati playing under now-Colts’ defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
In addition to that, the Colts have already shown previous interest in Hendrickson. Last offseason, when the Bengals were potentially trading Hendrickson, the Colts reportedly called Cincinnati to check in.
Defensive end also happens to be a big need for the Colts. Not only does Indianapolis need depth, but they need more pass-rush juice to pair with Laiatu Latu.
For several seasons, Hendrickson has been one of the most disruptive pass rushers in football. This included leading the NFL in sacks in 2024. This past year, however, he was limited to only seven games due to injuries.
The Colts will enter this offseason in “good shape,” as Ballard put it, salary-cap-wise.