Former Cincinnati Bengals‘ linebacker Germaine Pratt, who spent his entire six-year career up to this point playing with current Indianapolis Colts’ defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, is reportedly signing with the Las Vegas Raiders on a one-year deal, according to Jordan Schultz.
Pratt was released by the Bengals earlier this week, making him a free agent and able to sign with any team. For a few reasons, the Colts seemed like a logical fit.
For one, there is the familiarity with Anarumo’s scheme, which would not only make for a quick adjustment for Pratt, but having his experience in the meeting rooms and on the practice field during training camp could be valuable for other Colts’ defenders as well.
In addition to that, linebacker is a position where the Colts are quite thin, at least in terms of experience. Beyond Zaire Franklin on the depth chart, Jaylon Carlies’ 242 career defensive snaps are the second-most on the team.
Breaking: Former #Bengals LB Germaine Pratt is signing a 1-year deal worth up to $4.78M with the #Raiders.
Pratt started all 17 games last season and is coming off a career-high 143 tackles to go along with 2 INTs, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries. pic.twitter.com/vfQqbNjZqW
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 11, 2025
Despite the inexperience, throughout this offseason, GM Chris Ballard has remained confident in the Colts’ linebacker room.
“It’s a position we’ve been pretty good drafting and developing. I give our coaches and scouts a lot of credit for that,” Ballard said earlier this offseason via the Indy Star. “Don’t forget now, E.J. Speed, it wasn’t like he came on right away. No, it took him a little time. Zaire Franklin did not come on right away. Great special team player but eventually became a linebacker that was a good player.”
Pratt was a team captain with the Bengals and totaled 140 tackles last season, along with forcing six total takeaways. However, his production in coverage, according to PFF’s metrics, did take a step back.
It has not been reported whether or not the Colts had any interest.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Germaine Pratt who played under Colts’ Lou Anarumo signs with Raiders