Ex-Bengals Linebacker Signs With AFC Playoff Hopeful

The Cincinnati Bengals’ defense has been a topic of consternation for much of the offseason. The unit helped waste a season of quarterback Joe Burrow’s prime and the Super Bowl chances that come with it. After the early stages of free agency and the NFL Draft, it may not have gotten much better.

The Bengals are currently without their best defensive player, edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, as he holds out in search of a better deal. His new partner in crime (and potential replacement), edge rusher Shemar Stewart, hasn’t seen the field because of a Cincinnati-style game of unnecessary hardball.

Making matters worse, the Bengals cut linebacker Germaine Pratt months after he requested a trade. His replacement, linebacker Demetrius Knight II, also remains unsigned.

Cincinnati’s former linebacker signed with an AFC competitor on Wednesday, putting pen to paper with the Las Vegas Raiders just days after hitting the open market. His contract, a one-year deal, is worth up to $4.78 million.

“Sources say Germaine Pratt had a very hot market after being released by the Bengals and had several teams interested in him,” Jordan Schultz reported.

“The Raiders ultimately made the most sense with the opportunity he’ll have with Pete Carroll and DC Patrick Graham’s defense.”

Pratt had a rocky 2024 campaign, although he remained productive against the run, logging a career-best 143 tackles. Despite logging two interceptions for the third consecutive season, he was a part of a back-seven that struggled immensely, and his coverage woes may have helped run him out of town.

However, Pratt is positioned to bounce back with the Raiders. Head coach Pete Carroll has made a career out of exceeding expectations on defense. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham did that in 2024, leading a league-average defense with one of the NFL’s lesser rosters.

Perhaps cutting Pratt is the best for both sides, giving him a second chance to flourish and new defensive coordinator Al Golden a chance to shape the second level in his vision. Given Cincinnati’s actions across the defense this offseason, though, some will be less willing to give the staff the benefit of the doubt.

The Raiders will not play the Bengals in 2025, barring a date in the AFC playoffs. With how competitive the conference looks to be, Pratt could play an outsized role in both teams’ fates.