Germaine Pratt is receiving the change of scenery he wanted.
The Bengals are releasing the linebacker, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Monday, per sources.
Pratt requested a trade from the Bengals earlier this offseason following a difficult year for Cincinnati's entire defense, which led to defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's firing. Despite racking up a team-best 143 tackles, Pratt also struggled in key spots, registering 20 missed tackles, according to Pro Football Focus.
Pratt arrived as a 2019 third-round pick who blossomed into a consistent starter over six seasons, but as he entered a contract year that would require him to adjust to a new coordinator, he felt it would be best if the Bengals traded him elsewhere. Instead, he's hitting the open market before mandatory minicamp begins.
Cincinnati's decision to release Pratt will save them $5.85 million in cap space for 2025, providing a slight financial incentive in what has been an expensive offseason for the Bengals. Meanwhile, the 29-year-old will enter free agency as a top-10 tackler in the NFL last season and should be expected to garner interest.
Don't be surprised if his old DC convinces the Colts to pick up the phone.
