NFL Network reports that Bengals LB Germaine Pratt has requested a trade. Pratt has spent six years with the Bengals, 5.5 of those as a full-time starter. He heads into the final year of his current deal and will turn 29 in May.
Rapoport: "Cincinnati has been devoting resources to keeping their offensive core together and Pratt was close to DC Lou Anarumo, who was fired after last season."
The first part of that Rapoport quote could speak to why the Bengals would be interesting in moving Pratt.
He's set to make $7.9 million in the final year of his existing deal. And a dead-cap number of just $2.3 million -- according to Spotrac -- would leave about $5.6 million in 2025 cap space following a trade (as well as actual money on hand).
The second part of Rapoport's quote could speak to why Pratt might be unhappy with the team. Anarumo's replacement, Al Golden, coached Bengals LBs in 2020-21 -- Pratt's second and third years in the league.
I have no idea what the Golden-Pratt relationship looks like. But it's worth noting that Pratt's playing time (adjusted for games missed) checked in short of 70% in those two seasons before climbing to 75.6%, 89.1%, and 94.7% in the three campaigns since.
If a team does acquire Pratt, it'll clearly do so to start him. Unless we find no team willing to give up much capital or take on his contract.
Bet on a guy who tied for ninth in the league in tackles last year and defensed six passes to start somewhere in 2025, though.
Pratt should remain a solid-to-good IDP option.
Beyond 2025? We'll have to see.
Pratt's age and contract status won't help his return in any trade. And he has developed into a pretty good player -- but not a true difference maker.
In short, Pratt's not a lock to get a new contract ahead of the 2025 season -- or even to maintain a starting gig beyond 2025.
He's still fine to hold in dynasty. Just don't get too hopeful about the long term.
Logan Wilson is the only other Bengals LB who played more than 30 defensive snaps last season.
So if Cincinnati does trade Pratt, expect the team to address the position in the draft or with a cheap free agent.
There should be viable options in both areas.
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