The Las Vegas Raiders added a new linebacker to the roster on Wednesday.
According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, the Raiders are signing former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt to a one-year deal worth up to $4.78 million.
“Breaking: Former Bengals LB Germaine Pratt is signing a 1-year deal worth up to $4.78M with the Raiders. Pratt started all 17 games last season and is coming off a career-high 143 tackles to go along with 2 INTs, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries,” Schultz wrote on X.
Pratt was released by the Bengals on Monday after spending six years with the franchise. The veteran started 88 games during his tenure with the team and was a key part of Cincinnati’s 2021 AFC championship-winning squad.
“The Bengals are releasing veteran LB Germaine Pratt today, per sources. Pratt ranked in the top 10 in the NFL last season in tackles and was a team captain. Now, he hits the open market,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on Monday.
The Raiders have a desperate need at linebacker after the departures of Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo in free agency this offseason. Though Pratt had an up-and-down 2024 campaign, he should step in as a starter in Patrick Graham’s defense, which should leave Elandon Roberts, Devin White, and Tommy Eichenberg competing for other starting spot at linebacker.
Overall, signing Pratt to a team-friendly one-year deal is a savvy move by general manager John Spytek, as he’ll provide adequate play as a starter at linebacker and there is zero risk involved with the acquisition.
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