Raiders Bolster Defense with Germaine Pratt Acquisition
The Las Vegas Raiders have secured the services of prominent linebacker Germaine Pratt, coming from the Cincinnati Bengals, with a one-year contract valued at $4.25 million. This incorporation represents a strategic move to strengthen the Raiders’ defense, especially in the inside linebacker position, where there were certain concerns. Pratt, who was released by the Bengals on Tuesday, after six seasons with the team, arrives at the Raiders with an impressive record. During his time in Cincinnati, Pratt played a fundamental role in winning two consecutive AFC North titles and in appearances in the AFC Championship in 2021 and 2022. In 96 games played (88 as a starter), Pratt accumulated 616 tackles, 23 passes defended, 7 forced fumbles, and 7 interceptions. In 2024, Pratt achieved his personal best with 143 tackles, two interceptions, and two recovered fumbles. Pratt’s arrival becomes even more relevant considering the departure of Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo in free agency, which has prompted the Raiders to remodel their group of inside linebackers. Prior to Pratt’s addition, the team had already added veterans Devin White, Elandon Roberts, and Jaylon Smith, and also selected Cody Lindenberg in the seventh round of April’s NFL draft. During the organized team activities practices and the mandatory minicamp, Roberts and White have been the first-team linebackers. The Raiders hope that White’s versatility and experience, including his participation in the Super Bowl, will be valuable for the defense. However, in the last two seasons, White has not shown the same level of play 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 being active in the first four games of the 2024 campaign. Finally, he was acquired by the Houston Texans and participated in seven games, accumulating 19 tackles.The overall depth of the team at the inside linebacker position raises questions, opening the door for Pratt to solidify a starting role in Las Vegas.White’s experience is a positive aspect. His flexibility for the position; he has played all over the field before, has been productive, both in the running game and in the passing game, in different ways.
Patrick Graham, Raiders Defensive Coordinator
