Raiders Beat Out 'Several' Teams to Sign Top Defensive Free Agent

Most felt that this linebacker corps needed to add another player into the mix, as the current group had a very low ceiling and an even lower floor. There was no shortage of solid options on the market all spring, but the team opted instead for a recently-released player.

On Wednesday, Fox Sports NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Raiders were signing linebacker Germaine Pratt to a one-year deal worth up to $4.78 million. Schultz also said that Las Vegas was able to beat out several other teams for his talents.

Pratt is a six-year NFL veteran who has spent his entire career with the Cincinnati Bengals. They released him in a surprise move earlier this week, and the Raiders, who needed a linebacker, wasted no time getting a deal done.

He was a pivotal piece of the Bengals' defense that helped lift the team to a Super Bowl appearance during the 2021 NFL season. Pratt will join Las Vegas with 616 career tackles to his name, as well as 3.5 sacks, seven interceptions and seven forced fumbles.

The linebacker room has reshuffled for the Raiders, as Pratt should be an instant starter alongside Roberts. This makes players like White and Smith, both of whom signed with no guaranteed money, more expendable as the team narrows down its roster in the coming months.