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Abhinav Sharma

Former Bengals captain Germaine Pratt signs with Raiders after surprise release

NFL

LB Germaine Pratt signs 1-year deal with Raiders just days after being released by the Bengals.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Bengals release team captain LB Germaine Pratt; move saves $5.6m in cap space
  • The 29-year-old requested a trade from Cincinnati back in February
  • Leading tackler finds team after surprise release
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Former Cincinnati Bengals captain Germaine Pratt isn't wasting any time finding a new landing spot. Just a day after being released, the veteran linebacker is heading west to join the Las Vegas Raiders, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

    A third-round pick back in 2019, Pratt was a staple in Cincinnati’s defense over six seasons, piling up 616 total tackles, 32 tackles for loss, and snagging seven interceptions. His physical presence and leadership in the heart of the Bengals’ unit made him a fan favorite — and now, he’ll look to bring that same edge to the Raiders’ linebacker corps.

    According to Tom Pelissero, Pratt has agreed to a one-year deal worth $4.25 million, with an additional $500K up for grabs through playtime incentives. The Silver and Black are getting a proven enforcer — and Pratt will be eager to make his mark in Vegas.

  • Cincinnati Bengals v Cleveland BrownsGetty Images Sport

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Before parting ways with Cincinnati, Germaine Pratt was heading into the final year of a three-year pact that was worth over $20 million. He was due $5.25 million in 2025, but the Bengals opted to move on.

    During his stint in the Queen City, Pratt was nothing short of consistent. He topped the Bengals’ tackle charts last season with 143 and finished second in total tackles for the club in both 2022 and 2023. Despite his efforts, the Bengals’ defense struggled mightily in 2024, conceding 25.5 points per game — tied for 25th across the league.

    That underwhelming performance led head coach Zac Taylor to make sweeping changes, including the dismissal of longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Pratt's release marks another shakeup in what’s been a full-blown defensive revamp this offseason.

  • WHAT'S DOING THE ROUNDS?

    Here's some of the quick reaction from the NFL world on the news:

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    WHAT NEXT FOR PRATT AND RAIDERS?

    Pratt heads to Las Vegas, joining a Raiders unit that also finished in the bottom tier for points allowed. With Pete Carroll now steering the ship, the Raiders are hoping to flip the script, and Pratt brings both leadership and a proven tackling resume to help them do just that.