The Indianapolis Colts have been the surprise of the NFL season. At 7-1, the Colts are the No. 1 team in the AFC and in line for the top seed in the conference. Now, the Colts will look for upgrades before their playoff push. Ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline, here are three players the Colts should go after.
Bengals Defensive End Trey Hendrickson
Joe Flacco is dressed for practice and warming up with the quarterbacks like normal. Trey Hendrickson is here (pictured), but not practicing. pic.twitter.com/4zYjPz1SZv
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) October 30, 2025
With the top record in the league, the Colts very well might be one player away from becoming a true contender.
While the offense continues to put up historic numbers, the defense is where the Colts could use a star.
NFL games are won and lost in the trenches. If you can’t rush or block the quarterback, then good luck winning in the NFL.
The Colts’ pass rush has been above average this season — tied for fifth (23) in sacks. Their defensive line is versatile, but it lacks star power.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson is the ideal piece to add to the Colts’ defense. Hendrickson is coming off consecutive seasons with 17.5 sacks.
The Colts’ defensive coordinator is Lou Anarumo, Hendrickson’s former coach in Cincinnati.
Hendrickson only has four sacks this year, but he’s getting no help from his teammates. Hendrickson will be a free agent at the end of this season, so it’s a risk he walks in free agency.
If you can add a player like Hendrickson to put you over the top, you should do it.
Bengals Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt
“I don’t even think about it anymore. We’re in the now and I’ve got control of it.” Cam Taylor-Britt says he doesn’t worry about the benching against the Steelers. pic.twitter.com/CtppdXWgVn
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) October 29, 2025
Sticking with the Cincinnati-to-Indianapolis pipeline, Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt should be on the Colts’ radar.
The Colts’ secondary is hanging on by a thread. Nearly every player of significance in the secondary has suffered an injury.
Justin Walley suffered a season-ending ACL tear, and Xavier Howard retired.
Jaylon Jones has been out since Week 1, but he could return this week. Charvarius Ward will also return eventually, but he remains out with a concussion.
The Colts need depth in their secondary, and Taylor-Britt, who knows Anarumo’s scheme, could be a seamless fit.
Taylor-Britt is in the final year of his rookie contract.
Saints Cornerback Alontae Taylor
ALONTAE TAYLOR pic.twitter.com/dy1ceX986h
— Saints Film Room (@SaintsFilmRoom) September 7, 2025
If Cincinnati does not want to deal with Taylor-Britt, the Colts should turn their attention toward the New Orleans Saints and cornerback Alontae Taylor.
Like Taylor-Britt, Taylor is in the last year of his deal with the Saints. While Taylor is a player worth re-signing, the Saints might prefer draft capital to take another cornerback on a rookie contract.
Taylor could provide the Colts with versatility, as he can play cornerback and safety.
