During the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals did not draft any linebacker. However, in free agency, they signed Jack Dingle. But an analyst still thinks it’s not enough, pushing Cincinnati to bring in their former linebacker. 

According to Dylan Oakley from Stripe Hype, the Bengals can count on their starters Demetrius Knight Jr, and Barrett Carter. But there remains a gap that can be addressed by bringing Germaine Pratt.

Pratt was selected by the Bengals in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, as the 72nd overall pick. Six seasons later, Pratt was released by the Bengals in June 2025, months after he reportedly requested a trade. 

The linebacker then joined the Las Vegas Raiders but was released in October when he joined the Indianapolis Colts. 

During his seven-season tenure in Cincinnati, he added 616 total tackles to his name, 355 solo, seven forced fumbles, and 3.5 sacks. 

“The 30-year-old is very much a veteran now, but he's younger than [Bobby] Wagner, and already knows the organisation, and a lot of the current Bengals roster, so could be a useful pickup, who likely won't demand too much by way of a salary,” wrote Oakley, urging the Bengals to sign Pratt. 

He had a shaky 2025 season and was released by the Raiders during the year. However, once in Indianapolis, he posted 67 solo tackles, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries.

"The Cincinnati Bengals have been wildly aggressive this offseason, adding multiple pieces via free agency and trade. But the linebacker position remains a glaring weakness in the Queen City," Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport also highlighted their issue in the linebacker position. 

In that case, Pratt has already proved himself in Cincinnati. 

Germaine Pratt’s memorable play in Cincinnati

A third-round pick from North Carolina State in Zac Taylor’s 2019 draft class, Pratt started the final eight games of his rookie season before making 80 additional starts. He exits as the Bengals’ most tenured defensive player.

"I'm very appreciative of what Germaine has done for our team over the last six years," Taylor said in a news release back in June last year. "He has been a part of plays and wins that will be remembered forever by Bengals fans. I will always pull for Germaine and I wish him the best moving forward."

Pratt led the Bengals to a win in the 2021 AFC Wild Card game with a late interception, and defeated the Raiders 26-19.

Cincinnati was holding a close lead when he intercepted Derek Carr with 17 seconds left. It helped secure the win. Not to forget, it was the franchise’s first playoff victory at Paycor Stadium.

While the memory is still fresh in Cincinnati’s history, will the Bengals bring him back to fill the gap in the linebacker room? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at Cincinnati Bengals Community.

Written by

Soheli Tarafdar

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar