The Cincinnati Bengals have released linebacker Germaine Pratt after six seasons with the team. Pratt, a longtime starter and team captain, had requested a trade back in February 2025 following changes to the defensive coaching staff. His release clears about $5.9 million in cap space for the team, despite him leading the Bengals with 143 tackles in 2024.
Timeline of Trade Request
Pratt’s trade request became public on February 12, 2025, after NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported it. At the time, Pratt was entering the final year of a three-year, $20.25 million deal he signed in 2023. His request came after the Bengals fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, with whom he had a strong relationship.
The team soon hired Al Golden as the new defensive coordinator. Golden had previously worked with Pratt as the team’s linebackers coach from 2020 to 2021. Despite that past connection, Pratt still wanted out—possibly because he wasn’t in Golden’s future plans. In the end, the Bengals chose to release Pratt rather than find a trade partner. This move saved the team about $5.85 million in cap space while leaving behind $2.3 million in dead money.
Cap Implications
Pratt was set to carry an $8.18 million cap hit in 2025, with a non-guaranteed $5.25 million base salary. By cutting him, the Bengals free up about $5.9 million in cap space—critical flexibility after what’s been called an “expensive offseason.”
The team is also in the middle of a contract dispute with defensive end Trey Hendrickson, the NFL’s sack leader last season. The Bengals have already added two linebackers through the draft—Demetrius Knight Jr. in the second round and Barrett Carter in the fourth—showing they were prepared to move on from Pratt.
2024 Season Performance
Pratt had a standout season in 2024, leading the team with 143 tackles (80 solo), good for ninth in the NFL. He also notched career highs with two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
However, his season wasn’t without flaws. He struggled with consistency, missing 20 tackles, according to Pro Football Focus. He also showed signs of slowing down, with weaker pursuit angles and reduced speed. These struggles were part of the Bengals’ broader defensive problems, which led to Anarumo’s firing and contributed to the team missing the playoffs—despite big offensive years from Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
