The Cincinnati Bengals are releasing linebacker Germaine Pratt, sources told Tom Pelissero. Cincinnati will save around $5.6 million in cash and cap space for the 2025 season by releasing him, Pelissero adds.
Pratt reportedly requested a trade in February. The 28 year old was heading into the final season of a three-year, $20.5-million deal he signed in 2023.
The Bengals selected Pratt in the third round of the 2019 draft. He’s been a pillar of Lou Anarumo Bengals defense in recent years, having started 79 games over the last five seasons.
Pratt had arguably the best season of his career in 2024, finishing 10th in the NFL with 143 tackles, six defended passes, two interceptions, along with adding two forced fumbles.
Two big name defensive players for the Bengals requested trades this offseason. Along with Pratt, Trey Hendrickson, who led the league in sacks last year, asked to be dealt due to a contract dispute. Hendrickson said publicly he won’t play the 2025 season without a new contract. With the release of Pratt, it will be interesting to see if this was a move to keep Hendrickson, or if this was a move to keep money.
With Lou Anarumo now being the Defensive Coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts, I would not be shocked if we see Germaine Pratt playing under him for the Colts next season.
Jaden Chandler-Parnell, or “JC” is a Sports & Sports Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports. You can Follow him on X @Jaden95Chandler and on YouTube
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