Raiders solidify defense with recently released veteran

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

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

Pratt was released by the Bengals on Sunday, ending the 2019 third-round pick’s tenure with the only team he had played for up to this point.

A team captain with the Bengals, Pratt played all 17 games with Cincinnati last season, notching a career-high 143 tackles along with two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Pratt comes at a great time for the Raiders, who were hoping to replace starters Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo. The team signed Elandon Roberts and Devin White to one-year contracts, but players of Pratt’s caliber rarely become available. It is likely that Pratt will slide in next to Roberts, keeping the middle of the defense at least stable.

The Raiders have made a move to bolster their defense, and it remains to be seen if this is the only upgrade they will pursue.