The Cincinnati Bengals released veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt on Monday, stirring more frustration and questions regarding the team's future on the defensive side.
The Cincinnati Bengals paid top dollar and then some to maintain their elite wide receiver tandem. They signed Ja'Marr Chase to a record deal for a non quarterback while securing Tee Higgins with his own handsome deal.
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These contracts kept Higgins off the free agent market and prevented any future contract conflict with Chase. However, they have come at a cost elsewhere on the roster.
Monday, the latest of these cap casualties came through the wire as the Bengals released veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt. Pratt posted some impressive numbers but struggled considerably last season on a porous Cincinnati defense.
The move costs the team $2.3 million in dead cap but adds roughly $5.8 million in cap space.
The decision puts Pratt in a tough position, now searching for a new team late in the offseason after many of the initial roster decisions have been made. As a result, Bengals reporter Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic sounded off on the decision with a post to X.
"A move that was inevitable six months ago finally happens. What a ridiculous charade that it took this long.
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"Pratt is responsible for one of the most memorable moments in team history and was a centerpiece of great, championship defenses. He deserved better on the way out."
That play came in the 2021 AFC Wild Card when Pratt intercepted Derek Carr to seal a 26-19 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. The win marked their first ever playoff victory at Paycor Stadium and is recognized by Bengals fans as one of the most important in franchise history.
Pratt requested a trade back in February though Cincinnati presumably never found a landing spot for the veteran. Now, both sides go their separate ways as Pratt becomes one of the top defenders available and the Bengals return to another aching issue on the defensive side with the ongoing Trey Hendrickson conflict.
Related: Hendrickson Not Reporting To Bengals Mandatory Minicamp As Major Questions Loom
Related: Bengals Trade Failure Means Shocking Cut Of Defensive Star Germaine Pratt
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
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