Bengals Release Germaine Pratt
CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati Bengals have decided to release linebacker Germaine Pratt, who has been a long-time starter for the team. The news was confirmed by sources close to the team, marking the end of an era for the player.The decision comes just before the team’s mandatory minicamp, which will be held from Tuesday to Thursday. Pratt has been a consistent starter for the past six seasons, playing a pivotal role in back-to-back AFC North titles and AFC Championship appearances in 2021 and 2022.
Germaine Pratt, 29, was about to enter the final year of a three-year contract extension he signed in 2023. Although the Bengals will incur a $2.3 million dead cap charge for Pratt’s release, they will save $5.9 million against the 2025 salary cap.Pratt was one of the most veteran players on the Bengals. Along with tight end Drew Sample, they were the only members of the team’s 2019 draft class still remaining with the club. Selected in the third round, Pratt started in 88 of his 96 appearances with the Bengals.
The separation was almost inevitable given the situation in the offseason. Pratt requested a trade after the firing of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who was quickly hired by the Indianapolis Colts. Furthermore, in April, Cincinnati selected two linebackers: Demetrius Knight Jr. from South Carolina and Barrett Carter from Clemson, in the second and fourth rounds, respectively. Knight was immediately considered a potential option to start in place of Pratt, who did not show up for the team’s voluntary workouts.Last season, Pratt led the team with 143 total tackles. He also had two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. However, the defense as a whole struggled, being the main reason Cincinnati didn’t make the playoffs for the second consecutive season.He’s going to come in and fight to contribute immediately. I’m excited to see that happen.
Zac Taylor, Bengals coach
Throughout his career with the Bengals, Pratt had eight interceptions, including one of the most important plays in franchise history. In the 2021 wild-card playoff game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Pratt made an interception on the goal line, securing the 26-19 victory and the team’s first playoff win in 31 seasons.
