The Cincinnati Bengals are releasing linebacker Germaine Pratt after a stellar 2024 season, leaving fans scratching their heads. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Pratt, who served as the team captain, had requested a trade from the Bengals back in February.

This move frees up cap space for the Bengals and saves the team $5.6 million in cash. The 2024 season was arguably the best of Pratt’s career, boasting a whopping 143 tackles, 80 of which were solo, along with two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions.

All these stats marked career highs for the linebacker. Pratt ranked tenth in the NFL for tackles last season.

Over six seasons with the Bengals, Pratt started in 88 of 96 games, racking up 616 tackles, 3.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and seven interceptions.

The Bengals have been juggling the futures of several players during the preseason. Trey Hendrickson is still waiting for a contract extension after requesting a trade in early March and has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the team during this preseason.

On the flip side, Cincinnati has locked down key offensive players, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, with significant contract extensions.