Bengals’ Germaine Pratt requests trade in NFL offseason shocker

Bengals veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt has requested a trade after six seasons, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Pratt, 28, led the Bengals in tackles last season, adding two interceptions and two forced fumbles. 

He ranked 10th in the NFL in tackles with 143 — the most in a season by a Bengal since Vontaze Burfict in 2013.

Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) celebrates after a interception against the Denver Broncos during the second half of a game in Cincinnati on December 28, 2024. AP

Pratt’s trade request came after the Bengals fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, with whom he was close, last month after six seasons.

The Bengals missed the playoffs and their defense was ranked 25th in the league.

They brought back Al Golden to replace Anarumo after he served as the Bengals’ linebackers coach from 2020-21.

Golden spent the past three seasons as defensive coordinator at the University of Notre Dame.

Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) chases after Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (19) in the first half at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2024. Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

The Colts hired Anarumo as their defensive coordinator last month, and Pratt praised the move on social media.

With extensive playoff experience, Pratt, who was Cincinnati’s defensive captain, will be a hot commodity in the trade market.

Bengals linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (59) celebrates recovering a fumble on a punt return with linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) and running back Trayveon Williams (32) against the Steelers in Pittsburgh, on January 4, 2025. AP

Pratt was selected by the Bengals out of NC State in the third round, 72nd overall, of the 2019 NFL Draft.

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