The Indianapolis Colts might consider targeting Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt in a potential trade ahead of the 2025 regular season.
Pro Football Focus indicates that the Colts lack experience in their linebacker unit, making it essential for them to have a competent pass-rusher to partner with Zaire Franklin, and Pratt could be the solution.
Initially chosen in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the ex-NC State player emerged as a key figure for the Bengals, but his future is uncertain. Pratt asked for a trade earlier this offseason as he seeks a new contract, and they will probably move him to a different team before the season begins.
The Bengals cannot trade away too many players in major deals, particularly since they have already allocated significant contracts to wide receivers, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. In the meantime, this might be the chance for the Colts’ new defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, to reunite with his ex-captain from the Bengals in Indianapolis.
This would be an obvious decision for both parties since Pratt’s plan to seek an alternative contract is unlikely to disappear in the near future. The Bengals are already not maintaining communication with defensive standout pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, which doesn’t improve Pratt’s chances of receiving a new contract.
If they’re ignoring Hendrickson’s contract, why do you believe they won’t disregard Pratt’s as well? If the Colts fail to propose a trade, these four teams will probably act quickly and contact the Bengals.
Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers need a capable linebacker to eventually take over for Khalil Mack when he retires soon. He could be in his last season this year, so Pratt is more than capable of being a replacement. After releasing Joey Bosa, it’s obvious the Chargers are rebuilding, but they should do that and trade for Pratt to embrace the rebuild and make him the new homegrown talent in Los Angeles.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Commanders could use the depth in their defense since they couldn’t replicate much success like the offense had. Veteran Bobby Wagner is returning to the Commanders, but he’s aging and could call it a career at any moment. However, they lost a gem in Dante Fowler Jr., who led this pass-rush in sacks to the Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders could make a splash trade and acquire Pratt to strengthen their roster.
New Orleans Saints
It might be hard for the Saints to pinch more pennies, but general manager Mickey Loomis always knows how to do that. Even though Demario Davis is returning, his time is coming to an end as he took a paycut this offseason. Pete Werner is the only one who’s still on the younger side with a lot of upside. Carl Granderson has yet to prove, so they could trade for Pratt to provide some relief.
Carolina Panthers
As for the Panthers, the team is in the best spot defensively. After taking Trevon Moehrig and Tershawn Wharton in this free agency, it looks like it’s all coming together to repair a defense that couldn’t keep this team afloat last year. They released Jadeveon Clowney as he’s getting older, and Pratt is an obvious fit to be their new long-term replacement.
