The Cincinnati Bengals will be without a key player for the upcoming season. The team announced earlier today they would be releasing Linebacker Germaine Pratt. He is coming off a strong 2024 campaign with the team. He was 10th in the league in total tackles.
He was drafted out of NC State in the 3rd round of the 2019 NFL Draft. His Bengals career finished with 616 tackles, 7 forced fumbles, and 7 interceptions. Where will Pratt play next season?
What Led To Pratt Leaving Cincinnati?
The #Bengals are releasing veteran LB Germaine Pratt today, per sources.
Pratt ranked in the top 10 in the NFL last season in tackles and was a team captain. Now, he hits the open market. pic.twitter.com/6OabVd3Dv8
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 9, 2025
Pratt is another casualty of a Bengals team that has doubled down on offense this season. They signed wide receiving duo Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to massive contracts earlier this year. The Bengals had a miserable defense and have not focused as much on that side of the ball.
Defensive End Trey Hendrickson and the team are locked in a contract dispute. The star player has mentioned he is willing to miss regular season games if his contract demands are not met. Cincinnati has also yet to agree on terms with No. 17 overall pick Shemar Stewart. The defense will not be improved in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Pratt is a solid player. He will not be a free agent for long. While 31 teams would love to have his services, one squad stands above the rest. A reunion with Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo could be in the cards. He is now the Indianapolis Colts DC. Anarumo knows the type of player Pratt is. That could give the Colts a leg up in the competition to sign the veteran linebacker.
