If the Colts want him, they will have to pay, but it should be worth it.
The Indianapolis Colts have the need, the capital, and the inside track to acquire the services of Cincinnati Bengals’ pass rushing stud, Trey Hendrickson. The questions are, what he will cost, and would the Colts pull the trigger? Defensive end has been Chris Ballard’s white whale. He has spent plenty of draft selections on the position and has little to nothing to show for it. Hendrickson will take draft capital and a hefty contract, but if reasonable, both would be well justified.
Stampede Blues’ own, Luke Schultheis, showed how much value Hendrickson brings.
The 30-year-old…led the league with 17.5 total sacks this past season—earning First-Team NFL All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. He also finished second in NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting.
His 35.0 combined total sacks over the past two seasons also are the most in the NFL.
How many first, second, and third-round picks have been spent at the position? I honestly don’t even want to think about it. If the Bengals asked for a second or a third and fifth next year, does Ballard make that deal knowing he uses his precious draft capital and has to provide a large contract to Hendrickson who will be on the wrong side of thirty? That might be too rich for Ballard’s blood, but it might be something that gets the Colts back to their winning ways and establishes the culture reset that is needed.
Top-tier defensive ends don’t always hit the market. When they do, they get expensive, but teams that swing can hit big. A pass rush that can get to the quarterback is incredibly valuable. The Colts can’t allow unlimited time in the pocket and bringing in Hendrickson, even for a second rounder, could be worth it. There is no guarantee who you pick in second will be worth anything. It is known what Hendrickson brings to the table.
I think a second rounder gets it done. Trey Hendrickson wants a trade, Indy has some coaching connections to him, and the Bengals would get fair compensation. Those are all check marks in favor of the Colts. The question remains whether Ballard will do it and how high the bidding war will reach. If the Bengals will accept a second, the Colts should send it over. It would fulfill a huge need and address an outstanding issue this franchise has faced over the last decade. Time will tell if the Colts will enter the arena.
