The Cincinnati Bengals will have to figure out what they want to do with linebacker Germaine Pratt, as he’s on the verge of being cut after the NFL Draft. According to Bleacher Report, the Bengals will have two choices before the 2025 season, and it looks like it will become a difficult one. Pratt already requested a trade earlier this offseason, which is putting the team on the spot to extend him or send him to a team that will actually pay him. However, after spending big contracts on wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, it doesn’t appear that Pratt has a future in Cincinnati.
The Bengals have too many financial commitments to deal with, and the next man they want to extend is defensive end Trey Hendrickson. The bad news is that they haven’t been receiving trade interest for Pratt, so it’s making it a lot harder for the linebacker to move on. It’s still frustrating for the Bengals in the long haul, who may face the linebacker holding out for a contract during the NFL Training Camp. After firing defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, it seems like Pratt could prefer to reunite with him, but he might be better off joining these three teams to secure a worthy contract.
REPORT: Bengals Former Third Rounder Germaine Pratt Could Be “Cut” After NFL Draft – 3 Possible Fits
Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers got a lot further than anyone was anticipating in last 2024 campaign. However, it wasn’t enough for the Chargers to go deep on a postseason run, but the future is bright. Despite that, it doesn’t look like they’ll be the same team next season, as they’ve been reluctant to add talent in their pass-rushing unit. After losing Poona Ford to the Los Angeles Rams, the team only got Da’Shawn Hand as a replacement.
He’s more of a journeyman, who is better off being on the bench than the Chargers trying to put him out there as a potential starter. Even though they’re bringing back Teair Tart, it doesn’t compensate the team enough for veteran Khalil Mack. He can’t single-handedly carry this defense on his back, so they should make a splash and snag Pratt. He would be a better replacement for this team’s defense, which let go of Joey Bosa due to injuries.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints didn’t do much, but they did re-sign Chase Young and brought in Justin Reid for their secondary unit. It looks like they have to rely on their defense now that Derek Carr will miss the entire 2025 campaign. There would be no better way for head coach Kellen Moore to make an impression than to trade for Pratt. General Manager Mickey Loomis always finds a way to pinch more pennies, so they should bring him in to boost this pass rush that contains Young, Carl Granderson and Cameron Jordan.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have done well themselves, rebuilding their defensive trenches for Derrick Brown’s return. Even though Carolina isn’t a contender, head coach Dave Canales should still put quarterback Bryce Young in to get more reps by building a capable defense to turn the ball over. Pratt pairing with veteran Jadeveon Clowney might bring this defense back to life after being one of the worst last season.
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