Report: Bengals to release Pratt
The Cincinnati Bengals are releasing linebacker Germaine Pratt, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Pratt reportedly requested a trade in February. The 28-year-old was heading into the final season of a three-year, $20.5-million deal signed in 2023. Cincinnati will save $5.6 million in cash and cap space for the 2025 season by releasing him, Pelissero adds.
The Bengals selected Pratt in the third round of the 2019 draft. He's been a key pillar of Cincinnati's defense in recent years, having started 79 games over the last five campaigns.
Pratt had arguably the best season of his career in 2024, finishing 10th in the NFL with 143 tackles while adding six defended passes, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
Two defensive players for the Bengals requested trades this offseason. Along with Pratt, Trey Hendrickson, who led the league in sacks last year, asked to be dealt due to a contract dispute. Hendrickson said publicly he won't play the 2025 season without a new contract.