Bengals Release Veteran Linebacker Germaine Pratt Ahead of Minicamp

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals are parting ways with veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The announcement comes on the eve of the Bengals’ minicamp.

Pratt, 29, had requested a trade from the team in February but remained with Cincinnati until the end of the offseason program. Releasing Pratt will save the Bengals $5.85 million against the salary cap.

Drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Pratt had been a key player for the Bengals, starting 88 games over six seasons. In 2024, he led the team with 143 total tackles, five tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.

The timing of Pratt’s release coincides with the Bengals adding new talent to the linebacker position, including rookies Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter in the recent NFL Draft. Knight is expected to step into a starting role alongside Logan Wilson.

This move marks a significant change for the Bengals’ defense as they transition to new defensive coordinator Al Golden. Pratt’s impact was notable; he famously secured the Bengals’ first playoff win this century with a crucial interception against Derek Carr in the 2021 AFC Wild Card round.

Now a free agent, Pratt will explore his options on the open market. Formerly a consistent contributor, he recorded over 100 tackles in each of the last two seasons and will likely attract interest from teams in need of linebacker depth.