After the latest trade market, the Cincinnati Bengals might just release former third-rounder Germaine Pratt before the 2025 regular season. According to reports, the linebacker was listed as a cut candidate for the majority of this offseason. It might finally happen as it will likely be a relief for Pratt, who requested a trade two months ago, so it should be no surprise if the Bengals do their due diligence and let him sign wherever he wants. Originally selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, the former NC State product has been a fixture on this impressive defense alongside Trey Hendrickson, who himself has yet to get a long-term extension to stay with the team.
Pratt has a lot of upside to give for a potential roster that needs some pass-rushing help. After leading and posting 143 tackles, the Bengals’ defense was in the right situation to make it to the Super Bowl as a powerhouse. However, they couldn’t figure out how to make it to the postseason as they missed the playoffs by an inch at the last second, which comes at a cost now that the Bengals will have to release some talent to relieve their cap space. After giving offensive weapons Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase new deals, the team’s financial future does not look bright.
Pratt would become the No. 1 linebacker free agent in the market, and these teams will likely jump on him to offer him a deal before this upcoming season.
REPORT: Bengals Likely to “Release” Former Third Rounder Germaine Pratt After Latest NFL Trade Market
3 Logical Fits
Baltimore Ravens
Even though the NFL Draft is in the past, the Baltimore Ravens still need to find a capable replacement in their pass-rushing unit. If Pratt becomes available, this would be the best situation for the Ravens, who just lost linebacker Malik Harrison to the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency. Roquan Smith, Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh are three of the most talented key defenders on this defense, but they haven’t found a way to produce much last season. Even though the Ravens found some life in the unit near the end of the 2024 campaign, the team could use a leader in their locker room to guide depleted names like Trenton Simpson.
Pratt doesn’t need to be Ray Lewis 2.0, but the Ravens have been struggling to find a capable veteran to lead this defense. Jadeveon Clowney was the perfect machine to keep this defense stabilized, but they couldn’t keep him since he didn’t fit the billing anymore. Pratt provides upside to reset this unit even if the Ravens sign him on a one-year contract.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers made great strides to improve their defense this offseason. After signing Tershawn Wharton, things are coming together in the trenches unit to help Derrick Brown in the lineman part of this roster. However, since Clowney is aging and Josey Jewell is more of a journeyman, they could use another pass rusher like Pratt to help.
Los Angeles Chargers
Head Coach Jim Harbaugh loves to win football games in the trenches, but with the latest roster moves, it doesn’t look like he’s putting that into action. After losing Joey Bosa, they need some legitimate help for Khalil Mack in their unit since this will likely be his last season in the league, either way. Despite bringing back Teair Tart and signing unproven Da’Shawn Hand, these two aren’t going to single-handedly carry this defense. Pratt makes sense for the Chargers’ situation as they have enough cap space to facilitate a signing.
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