The 2025 NFL trade deadline is approaching, and teams around the league are scrambling to either strengthen their rosters or stockpile draft capital before the 4:00 p.m. ET cutoff today, Nov. 4.
Contenders aiming for a deep playoff run are often the most aggressive buyers, and the 7-2 Indianapolis Colts are expected to be one of them. Rumors are swirling that the Colts are pursuing a $29 million All-Pro to bolster their roster for the second half of the 2025 season.
Are the Colts Eyeing a Blockbuster Trade for a $29 Million All-Pro?
Not many people expected the Colts to be tied atop the AFC by the trade deadline, but through nine weeks, Indianapolis has looked like one of the best teams in the NFL.
The Colts’ offense has been dominant, ranking first in the league according to PFSN’s OFFi metric. The defense, on the other hand, has been average, ranking 15th in the NFL in PFSN’s DEFi metric.
If Indianapolis wants to solidify itself as a true Super Bowl contender, upgrading the defense is paramount. One NFL “insider” reported that the team is interested in adding 2024 First-Team All-Pro pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson, from the Cincinnati Bengals ahead of the deadline.
“Rickey Scoops” reported on X that the Colts have already reached out to the Bengals to inquire about a deal for Hendrickson. He added that if Cincinnati ultimately decides to move him, Indianapolis is a team to keep an eye on.
Sounds like the #Colts are calling teams and trying to land a cornerback before today’s 4 pm deadline.
The #Colts also called the #Bengals regarding Trey Hendrickson and a team to watch if he’s moved today #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/TO8501T4SA
— Rickey (@RickeyScoops) November 4, 2025
Now, “Rickey Scoops” isn’t a credentialed NFL insider like ESPN’s Adam Schefter or NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, but he has a track record of accurate predictions. He was the first to report the Micah Parsons to the Packers trade and could be ahead of the curve again with the Hendrickson news.
Ahead of the 2025 season, the Bengals signed Hendrickson to a one-year $30 million contract to avoid a holdout. With the star pass rusher only under contract for this season and Cincinnati sitting at 3-6, they could be open to trading him for the right deal.
The Colts could definitely use an upgrade at defensive end. Overall, Indianapolis’ pass rush has performed well this season, recording 26 sacks so far, tied for fourth most in the NFL.
However, Hendrickson would be a massive boost to the defensive line, especially over Kwity Paye, who currently ranks 64th among edge rushers this season according to PFSN’s EDGEi metric.
It would be an intriguing move for the Colts, and they’ll undoubtedly have to give up some valuable draft assets to make it happen, but it’s a storyline worth watching today, and maybe, just maybe, “Rickey Scoops” is right again.