Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano projects that Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson could sign a three-year, $105M contract this offseason, with Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots as potential landing spots.
A great pass rusher disrupts the opposing quarterback, giving his own quarterback a better chance to succeed on the gridiron. Considering Patriots QB Drake Maye was sacked 47 times last season, the need for a strong defensive end to relieve pressure is clearer than ever. With such protection, Maye might have had more opportunities to score, and the team might not be searching for an edge rusher now.
New England Patriots potential target Trey Hendrickson’s market value is $30M
Manzano reports that Hendrickson is a dominant force when healthy.
He had 39 sacks over the past three seasons.
A short-term deal from a Super Bowl contender that averages above $35M per season could suit him, considering his value is closer to $30M per year, and he’s the best edge rusher on the market. Arguably the best DE left in the free agency because the Baltimore Ravens recently acquired Las Vegas Raiders’ Maxx Crosby.
According to Over The Cap, New England has over $43M cap space for the 2026 season.
And Spotrac’s calculated market value for the 31-year-old Bengals edge is a two-year contract worth $50M, which averages an annual salary of $25M.
Patriots failed to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks
According to Musket Fire’s Jack Aylmer, the Patriots’ defense allowed the eighth-fewest yards in the 2025 NFL regular season. But they could not generate enough pressure on the opposing quarterbacks and finished the season with a higher sack total than only six other teams.
Bringing in Hendrickson could help solve this problem. It would revitalize their pass-rushing abilities and offer a permanent solution to their biggest need this offseason.
Trey Hendrickson may reunite with Lou Anarumo in Indianapolis
NFL Trade Rumors’ Logan Ulrich reports that the Indianapolis Colts have needed to improve their pass rush for a while now. GM Chris Ballard used up a lot of resources for the defensive end position, in particular, in the draft, but no true results came out of it. The last time a player [Justin Houston] had a double-digit sack was in 2019. No one drafted by Ballard [since 2017] could achieve that till now.
With a lot of pressure coming the Colts’ way this offseason, they could pour their trust into a proven option and make a run at Hendrickson. Many of Hendrickson’s best performances came while playing under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Anarumo left Cincinnati only last year and joined Indianapolis. A familiar face would do wonders for both the franchise and the defensive end.
Colts may trade or release wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr
Indianapolis currently has $4.7M over the cap space, according to Over The Cap.
As per The Athletic, the Colts could free up $24M by releasing or trading their wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. The 28-year-old wideout is in his final year of a three-year, $70M contract. He becomes a free agent in 2027. According to Spotrac’s calculated market value, Pittman Jr. may sign a two-year contract worth $58M, with an average annual salary of $29M.
Releasing or trading a cap casualty could offer the financial flexibility Indianapolis needs to acquire Bengals star player Trey Hendrickson.
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