Top free agent pass rusher with ties to Colts will be available

One of the top free agent pass rushers will now officially be available this offseason for the Indianapolis Colts to pursue.

According to multiple reports, the Cincinnati Bengals will not franchise-tag defensive end Trey Hendrickson. He will now hit the open market next week when free agency begins.

This, of course, is potentially of interest to the Colts for a few reasons.

For one, addressing the defensive end position is arguably their biggest need this offseason. More pass rush juice and depth is needed.

In addition to that, Hendrickson played several seasons under Lou Anarumo and new Colts defensive line coach Marion Hobby, where he developed into one of the game's most disruptive pass rushers.

Also of note, last offseason, the Colts expressed interest in the star defensive end at that time.

The #Bengals are not franchise tagging star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson, per me and @TomPelissero. One of the NFL’s best is free. pic.twitter.com/pEN9rorOMv

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 3, 2026

Due to injuries, Hendrickson was limited to only seven games in 2025. In 2024, however, he led the NFL in sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, they are projecting that Hendrickson signs a one-year deal worth $21 million.

Not surprisingly, Hendrickson is expected to have a "strong market," says one NFL insider.

The Colts are positioned well from a salary cap perspective to be aggressive this offseason.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Bengals won't franchise tag Trey Hendrickson, who will be a free agent