With the window open for NFL teams to franchise tag players, perhaps the Indianapolis Colts should keep their eyes on what the Cincinnati Bengals do during this period.
There have already been a few instances this offseason in which the Colts have been mentioned as a team to watch with Bengals’ free agent pass rusher Trey Hendrickson — and it’s easy to see why the two are connected. The Colts have a major pass-rush need, while Hendrickson had his most productive seasons playing under Lou Anarumo.
However, perhaps it’s not a given that Hendrickson will reach free agency.
Recently, Cameron Wolfe reported that the franchise tag could still be in play for the Bengals and Hendrickson.
“From what I understand, a team source told me, he figures it’s unlikely for these two sides (Hendrickson and the Bengals) to reunite going into next season,” Wolfe said. “And so what does that mean? Do the Bengals let him go in free agency? Do they try to slap the franchise tag on him and trade him? A difficult decision for Cincy because their relationship has not been great in recent weeks.”
Judy Battista echoed similar sentiments as well.
“Perhaps tagging Hendrickson would be the prelude to a trade, or maybe the Bengals will keep Hendrickson for one more season,” wrote Battista. “A defense in need of an overhaul would benefit from keeping its best player.”
The Colts are positioned well from a salary cap perspective to be aggressive this offseason. But having to acquire Hendrickson via trade complicates things, given that the Colts are already low on draft picks after trading for Sauce Gardner.
The deadline for teams to franchise tag players is March 3rd.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Why Colts should keep eye on Bengals during franchise tag window
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
