According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Las Vegas Raiders are releasing veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt, who did not travel with the team to Indianapolis this past weekend for ‘non-injury’ reasons:
The 29-year-old veteran linebacker made 4 prior starts for the Raiders defense this season, recording 25 tackles (10 solo) and 2 passes defensed. Per PFF, he earned a +56.7 overall grade so far this season.
Of course, Pratt is of particular potential interest to the still linebacker needy Indianapolis Colts, who have struggled finding a consistently capable starting ‘Will’ linebacker option next to reigning NFL All-Pro Zaire Franklin, given Pratt’s prior familiarity with new Indianapolis veteran defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Pratt played under Anarumo during his entire prior playing tenure with the Bengals, making 88 career starts at linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals defense during that same lengthy span—at least in NFL years.
In fact, it was after Anarumo was let go by the Bengals that Pratt demanded a trade this past February.
The Bengals were unable to find a suitable trade suitor this offseason and ultimately released Pratt this past June.
He eventually signed with the Raiders on a one-year, $4.25 million contract. However, it’s possible he may be trying to force his way to Indianapolis to reunite with Anarumo—although that’s purely speculation at this time.
Pratt has his own playing limitations, although he surprisingly has a respectable +64.3 coverage grade in 2025, but it’s hard to argue that he wouldn’t be an upgrade to Joe Bachie (who struggled this past Sunday), Austin Ajiake, Chad Muma, or Segun Olubi as a veteran starting linebacker option next to Franklin right now.
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