Raiders Secure Germaine Pratt to Bolster Defense
The Las Vegas Raiders have finalized the signing of inside linebacker Germaine Pratt, coming from the Cincinnati Bengals, through a one-year contract for $4.25 million. The news comes after the Bengals released Pratt on Tuesday, after six seasons with the team.
Pratt was a fundamental piece in the Bengals, contributing to the conquest of consecutive titles in the AFC North and to their participations in the AFC championship in 2021 and 2022. Throughout his career, in 96 games (88 as a starter), he totaled 616 tackles, 23 passes defended, seven forced fumbles and seven interceptions.
In 2024, Pratt recorded his personal best with 143 tackles, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.
The Bengals’ release of Pratt, one of the team’s most veteran players, generated a savings of $5.9 million in salary cap space.
For the Raiders, the inside linebacker and cornerback positions have been a cause for concern, so Pratt’s signing is not surprising.
Following the departure of Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo in free agency, the Raiders have been working on remodeling their interior linebacker group during the offseason. Previously, they signed veterans Devin White, Elandon Roberts, and Jaylon Smith, in addition to selecting Cody Lindenberg, former player from the University of Minnesota, in the seventh round of the NFL draft in April.
During the activities organized by the team and the mandatory minicamp, Roberts and White have been the supporters of the first team. Las Vegas hopes that White’s versatility and experience in the Super Bowl will be beneficial for the defense.
However, in the last two seasons, White has not shown the same performance that led him to be selected for the Pro Bowl in 2021. After his last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, White signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, but was released after not participating in the first four games of the 2024 season. Subsequently, he was hired by the Houston Texans, where he played in seven games, totaling 19 tackles.
Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham highlighted White’s experience and his flexibility in the position, having played in different roles and demonstrating productivity in both the running and passing game.
Additionally, the overall depth at the inside linebacker position is questionable, which opens the door for Pratt to solidify a starting position in Las Vegas.
