What do you do when your team’s linebacker core is in need of refinement? You waste no time striking a deal with six-year veteran and defensive captain Germaine Pratt, just as the Las Vegas Raiders did.
On Tuesday, the release of linebacker Germaine Pratt was made official by the Cincinnati Bengals. One day later, on Wednesday, Pratt had himself a new home–one where he’ll be wearing the NFL’s iconic silver and black uniforms on a one-year, $4.78 million deal.
The linebacker room of Elandon Roberts, Devin White, and Jaylon Smith, among others, has a new addition; now-former Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt, who, by all accounts, can be defined as a do-it-all veteran.
Perhaps that should come as no surprise given his captain status in Cincinnati.
With the Bengals this past season, Pratt showed off the multitude of things he’s able to do. Whether in coverage, against the run, or going after opposing quarterbacks, the 29-year-old frequently made his presence felt.
That showed up on the stat-sheet, too.
With 107 solo tackles totaled throughout the year, only six linebackers league-wide finished their ’24 campaign with more than Pratt. Only six linebackers across the NFL tallied more stops than Pratt’s mark of 53, too.
Both of which stand as career-highs for the North Carolina State alum.
In coverage, Pratt was able to take two passes the other way – the highest total among all Bengals linebackers in 2024 – while batting away an additional three balls. And, on pass-rushing downs, Cincinnati’s now-former defensive captain was able to hit opposing quarterbacks on five occasions. That, too, ranked first among all linebackers at his old club.
Now, Pratt is taking his talents to Sin City; a team in true need of the skillset he possesses.
At this juncture, I don’t know if I can think of one single (realistic) transaction that would improve the Raiders more than adding Germaine Pratt to the team. If I’m John Spytek, I’m spending my entire day doing the necessary due diligence on Pratt and his situation.
— Alex Monfreda (@AlexMonfreda) May 1, 2025
Perhaps another signing is on the horizon in Las Vegas as cornerback Shaq Griffin is set to visit the Raiders. For now, Pratt becomes the newest member of the Silver and Black.
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*Top Photo: Perry Knotts/ Getty Images