NFL insider gives hope that a move Colts fans have been begging for is still possible and even shared when it could happen
For most of the offseason, the Indianapolis Colts have been linked as a possible team that could trade for disgruntled Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson.Over the last month, though, the popular belief has been that the Bengals would not ultimately end up trading the star pass rusher at all, to the dismay of most Colts […]
For most of the offseason, the Indianapolis Colts have been linked as a possible team that could trade for disgruntled Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson.
Over the last month, though, the popular belief has been that the Bengals would not ultimately end up trading the star pass rusher at all, to the dismay of most Colts fans. However, NFL insider Tony Pauline's recent story gives hope that the Bengals might decide to trade Hendrickson after all, which might as well be music to the Colts fans' ears.
NFL insider Tony Pauline thinks there is still a chance the Bengals will trade Trey Hendrickson
"The overwhelming feeling in the league is that the Cincinnati Bengals, who own the 17th pick, will determine if there’s a run on edge rushers during the second half of Round 1. If the Bengals take an edge rusher, the floodgates are expected to open up, and at least seven, or possibly eight, will be drafted before Day 1 is through.
It may also create a situation where teams may try and trade up from the bottom of the first round to ensure they acquire a pass rusher. The teams that hold five of the final six picks in Round 1 are expected to target an edge rusher on the first or second day of the draft.
Many tell me the Bengals will do exactly that. Take an edge rusher with the 17th pick, and then trade Trey Hendrickson on draft weekend or soon after the seven rounds are completed."
– Tony Pauline
Pauline's story in no way said that the Bengals are, in fact, going to trade Hendrickson, and he certainly didn't say that the Bengals are going to trade him to the Colts. But it's still notable that he is hearing that there is a chance the Bengals will look to move him during the draft to find his replacement in the first round. It sets up a very intriguing possibility for day one of the 2025 NFL Draft for the Colts, one that the majority of the fan base would be overjoyed if it came to fruition.
The Colts own the 14th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, three picks ahead of the Bengals at 17. There is a world where, after Abdul Carter, no other edge rusher hears their name called ahead of the Colts' 14th overall first-round pick. And if what teams are hearing about the Bengals is true, that might be the ideal situation for the Colts. They could then call the Bengals and offer a first-round pick swap that sends Trey Hendrickson to Indy, and the Bengals get the chance to draft their ideal choice to be his successor.
It may take an additional pick to get it done, but as long as that second pick wasn't more than a third, I still think it would be a win for the Colts. They would walk out of day one of the draft with the 2024 NFL sack leader and whoever they would choose to select at pick 17. And if we want to get even crazier, the Colts could look to trade back from 17 to recoup whatever extra pick or picks they may have included, along with the pick swap to land Hendrickson.
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