Total Pro Sports
Germaine Pratt needs a new team.
The Bengals are officially releasing the veteran linebacker, according to Tom Pelissero. of NFL Network.
Throughout the offseason, signs have pointed to a parting of ways in this case. Pratt has loomed as a release candidate for months.
The 29-year-old requested a trade in February, but no agreement was worked out with an interested team. Now, after six years together, the sides will move on.
The Bengals’ move will prove financially beneficial. They will save $5.8 million in cap space after adding Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter to the linebacker room in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The move comes just one day before the Bengals minicamp.
Germaine Pratt is a legend with the franchise. He famously sealed the Bengals’ first playoff win this century with an interception of Derek Carr in the 2021 AFC Wild Card round. He started 88 games over six seasons and had 616 tackles, seven interceptions, and seven forced fumbles.
One season remained on Pratt’s contract, but his scheduled base salary was not guaranteed.
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
The Bengals are moving on from Germaine Pratt.
A third-round pick in 2019, Pratt had spent his entire career with the Bengals.
Pratt requested a trade from Cincinnati back in February, but now, he will head elsewhere to continue his career.
Last year, Pratt led the Bengals in total tackles (143), solo tackles (80), and tackle assists (63). He also compiled four tackles for a loss, and four quarterback hits from the second level of the defense.
Any team that picks him up will get a team captain and someone who can shape a defense.
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