The Indianapolis Colts could target Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt in a possible trade before the 2025 regular season. According to Pro Football Focus, the Colts have little experience in their linebacker room, so they need a capable pass-rusher alongside Zaire Franklin, and Pratt could fill the hole. Originally selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former NC State product became one of the keystone players for the Bengals, but the future is complicated for him. Pratt requested a trade earlier this offseason since he demands a new contract, and they will likely send him away to a new team before the season starts.
The Bengals can’t mortgage too many players on blockbuster deals, especially when they already gave out those high-paid deals to wide receivers, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. Meanwhile, this could be the opportunity for the new defensive coordinator of the Colts, Lou Anarumo, to bring back his former captain on the Bengals to Indianapolis. This would be a no-brainer move for both sides as Pratt’s idea of looking for another contract won’t be going away anytime soon. The Bengals are already not staying in communication with defensive star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, so that doesn’t make it any better for the chances of Pratt getting a new deal.
Since they’re not paying attention to Hendrickson’s contract, what makes you think they won’t do the same with Pratt? If the Colts don’t make a trade offer, these four teams will likely jump the gun and call the Bengals.
Breaking: Colts, Bengals Connected in Blockbuster Germaine Pratt Trade – 4 Other Possible Fits
Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers need a capable linebacker to eventually take over for Khalil Mack when he retires soon. He could be in his last season this year, so Pratt is more than capable of being a replacement. After releasing Joey Bosa, it’s obvious the Chargers are rebuilding, but they should do that and trade for Pratt to embrace the rebuild and make him the new homegrown talent in Los Angeles.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Commanders could use the depth in their defense since they couldn’t replicate much success like the offense had. Veteran Bobby Wagner is returning to the Commanders, but he’s aging and could call it a career at any moment. However, they lost a gem in Dante Fowler Jr., who led this pass-rush in sacks to the Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders could make a splash trade and acquire Pratt to strengthen their roster.
New Orleans Saints
It might be hard for the Saints to pinch more pennies, but general manager Mickey Loomis always knows how to do that. Even though Demario Davis is returning, his time is coming to an end as he took a paycut this offseason. Pete Werner is the only one who’s still on the younger side with a lot of upside. Carl Granderson has yet to prove, so they could trade for Pratt to provide some relief.
Carolina Panthers
As for the Panthers, the team is in the best spot defensively. After taking Trevon Moehrig and Tershawn Wharton in this free agency, it looks like it’s all coming together to repair a defense that couldn’t keep this team afloat last year. They released Jadeveon Clowney as he’s getting older, and Pratt is an obvious fit to be their new long-term replacement.
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