After requesting a trade earlier this offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals will officially cut team captain Germaine Pratt before the start of training camp. According to the breaking news, it’s no surprise that the Bengals are moving on as he became a release candidate for months, and now he will hit the open market with teams looking to bolster their pass-rushing unit. Originally selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former NC State product spent his entirety with the Bengals, even though things got off to a slow start in his first two seasons after he was unable to record a single sack. However, Pratt kept winning his starting job back consistently until it paid off, where he earned a three-year contract to stay with the team in 2023, but he won’t be playing off that entire contract time, as he had one year left in that deal.
Pratt isn’t the most explosive pass-rusher like other veterans in this league, but he has a lot of upside that teams could sign him for. Being that he is young and has been able to stay healthy, it shouldn’t be any surprise if he signs with a new team as soon as this week. While the Bengals keeping Pratt would have put them in serious business defensively, they don’t have the cap space to facilitate his next contract after extending Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The team is worrying about how to pay Trey Hendrickson as the two are in a contract standoff, so while that happens, here are five teams that could pursue Pratt.
Breaking: Bengals Cut Top Team Captain Germaine Pratt; 5 Possible Fits
Possible Next Teams
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have a need at linebacker after losing E.J. Speed in free agency. The team wouldn’t have any issue with getting Pratt now, being that he could come at a low cost, depending on what type of contract he wants. As long as they can figure out a least a one-year deal, Pratt and former Bengal Lou Anarumo, who is now in charge of the Colts defense, back together in the fold.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Commanders are in the best spot to go all the way again. The offense looks too sweet, but the defense still needs some work. While Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu are the best linebackers on this unit, the same can’t be said about an unproven Dominique Hampton. Pratt would be the clear upgrade, and the new three-set starters would put the Commanders ahead of everyone else in the league.
Baltimore Ravens
However, the Ravens are in dire need of a linebacker. After losing Malik Harrison and Odafe Oweh, entering the final year of his contract, the team needs someone like Pratt to fill the temporary hole. Trenton Simpson has been a disappointment this past season, and Pratt could easily win the starting job to streamline this entire Ravens defense, which always does well no matter the circumstances.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh wants to win football games in the trenches, but hasn’t found an explosive counterpart for veteran Khalil Mack. While they gave Bud Dupree a new contract, he hasn’t been doing much to intrigue that he’s a long-term favorite. Since releasing Joey Bosa, the team needs a linebacker, and Pratt is the most logical fit for this defense.
Carolina Panthers
While things are looking to come together on defense for the Panthers, they now have one of the weakest linebacker units in the league. After releasing Jadeveon Clowney, they need a replacement that brings upside to the team. Pratt is the perfect athlete to give this roster new life and complete this defense that shares Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Brown.
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