The Cincinnati Bengals are set to part ways with veteran linebacker and team captain Germaine Pratt, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. This decision comes before what would have been Pratt’s seventh season with the team, marking the end of an impactful tenure for the player, who became a key figure on the Bengals’ defense since his debut in 2019.
During his time with Cincinnati, Pratt established himself as a standout defender, recording an impressive 143 tackles last season, which placed him among the league’s top 10 tacklers. His contributions were vital to a Bengals defense that ranked seventh in points allowed and eighth in yardage, though the unit faced challenges against some of the NFL’s top offenses.
Pratt’s journey with the Bengals began when they selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Over the years, he became a reliable starter, participating in every game he was available for and consistently improving his tackle production. Notable performances included his exceptional playoff interception in the 2021 wild card game against the Raiders, which helped the Bengals secure their first postseason victory in over three decades.
Though Pratt requested a trade in February, Cincinnati held onto him through the offseason, opting to release him now rather than pursue a trade. His departure will leave a notable gap in the defense, as he was set to enter the final year of a three-year contract worth over $20 million. The Bengals will incur $2.3 million in dead money against their salary cap following this decision.
Despite the challenges faced by the defense last season, the Bengals can still build on Pratt’s contributions and work towards enhancing their overall performance. Next season will introduce new opportunities for the team as they seek to fortify their defensive unit while moving forward without one of their most experienced players. This transition could serve as a catalyst for further development for the organization.
Overall, while Pratt’s exit marks a change for the Bengals, it also represents an opportunity for the franchise to refresh its defense and continue evolving in pursuit of success.