Germaine Pratt sends a final, subtle message to the Bengals after being released by the team

Pratt, the Bengals' third-round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft, spent the last six years in Cincinnati. He was the first defensive player drafted in the Zac Taylor era to defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Six years later, both Anarumo and Pratt are now out the door five months apart. 

Regardless of the change in DC, Pratt had not the same player he was prior to re-signing with Cincinnati on a three-year, $20.25 million contract back in 2023 and became a salary cap casualty this offseason. It just took several months to actually happen, and the elongated wait may've had an impact on Pratt's thoughts and feelings toward his now former team.

Germaine Pratt takes subtle shot at Bengals after release

Soon after the news dropped, Pratt took to Instagram and posted a picture of just him and Trey Hendrickson to his story.

Hendrickson's exclusive inclusion with Pratt in frame feels notable considering both have had beef with the organization this offseason. Pratt requested a trade all the way back in February, and Hendrickson sought permission for a trade and was granted it back in March. Since then, both players have skipped voluntary workouts and OTAs. 

Pratt may feel a connection with Hendrickson being a former starter for the defense who was at odds with the team. The difference being Pratt was never going to play in Cincinnati again, and Hendrickson is still very much in the team's plans. Hendrickson is seeking a new contract extension from the Bengals, but both sides haven't come close to an agreement yet.  

Current animosity aside, Cincinnati started Pratt for the majority of his career, and for good reason. He made several key plays that ended up winning important games for Cincinnati, none more notably than his interception against the Las Vegas Raiders on January 15, 2022. The play confirmed the Bengals' first playoff victory in just over 31 years.

That play among others helped Pratt reach a healthy pay day in 2023 when he signed his three-year contract, but his play started to decline the same year he re-upped and 2024 was even worse. 

It was past time to move on from Pratt despite his former linebackers coach, Al Golden, coming back to take over for Anarumo. Cincinnati drafted two linebackers, Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, in the first four rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft and also signed Oren Burks in free agency. 

The separation is finally happening, and not a moment too soon for both sides.