Report: Cincinnati Bengals Team Captain Requests Trade

February 12, 2025

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker and defensive captain Germaine Pratt has requested a trade, according to multiple reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. 

Pratt, 28, has been a key part of the Bengals' defense since being drafted in 2019, leading the team with 143 tackles last season while adding two interceptions and two forced fumbles. He has started 47 consecutive games since 2022 and played a crucial role in the team’s recent playoff runs, including a game-clinching interception in the 2021 wild-card win over the Las Vegas Raiders. 

His trade request comes as Cincinnati moves on from longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, with whom Pratt had a strong relationship. Anarumo was recently hired by the Indianapolis Colts, making them a logical destination for Pratt.

The Bengals are dealing with a lot of big roster decisions, particularly with wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. 

Higgins is set to hit free agency, and Chase is due for a long-term extension, with quarterback Joe Burrow saying, “I know that I am going to do what it takes to get [Higgins] back.” Cincinnati currently has around $46 million in cap space, but keeping both receivers will be costly. 

Trading Pratt would clear nearly $6 million while leaving behind $2.3 million in dead money. The Bengals also face uncertainty with pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who is seeking either a new contract or a trade.

Cincinnati’s defense struggled last season, ranking near the bottom of the league in multiple categories, including 26th in points allowed per drive and 30th in red zone efficiency. 

While Pratt was a major contributor, he also registered 20 missed tackles, per Pro Football Focus, as the unit failed to meet expectations. 

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