Bengals Released Germaine Pratt After Months of Back and Forth

The Cincinnati Bengals announced on Tuesday that they have released Germaine Pratt after a long offseason of confrontation between the player and the team. Pratt expressed his frustration with the organization early in the offseason and subsequently demanded a trade. Ultimately, the team was unable to find a suitable trade partner and has now decided to release him.

Head coach Zac Taylor expressed his appreciation for Pratt’s impact in a team statement, saying, "I’m truly grateful for everything Germaine has contributed over the past six years. He has played a role in moments and victories that Bengals fans will remember for years to come." Pratt’s exit follows a difficult season for Cincinnati’s defense overall, which also resulted in the dismissal of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.

Although Pratt led the team with 143 tackles, he struggled in key situations, missing 20 tackles according to Pro Football Focus. Selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Pratt developed into a dependable and consistent starter over his six seasons with the Bengals. However, as he entered a contract year amid defensive coaching changes, he requested a trade—signaling his desire for a fresh start elsewhere.

Now, rather than being traded, Pratt will become a free agent just before mandatory minicamp. His departure closes an important chapter for both himself and the Bengals, as he looks to continue his career in a new setting where he can potentially return to form and make an immediate impact.