Perhaps the latest news out of Cincinnati could be of interest to the Indianapolis Colts.
According to Ian Rapoport, Bengals’ linebacker Germaine Pratt has requested a trade. Rapoport adds that Pratt was “close” with former defensive coordinator–and now Colts’ defensive coordinator–Lou Anarumo.
Pratt was a defensive captain in Cincinnati. Tom Pelissero would note that he ranked top 10 in tackles last season and was one of only three players with 140 or more tackles and six or more turnover plays.
Pratt has spent his entire six year career in Cincinnati, playing under Anarumo each of those seasons. In addition to totaling all those tackles, Pratt has been a reliable tackler, and accumulated 22 quarterback pressures as well over the last two seasons combined.
In coverage over his career, he has held pass catchers to 9.6 yards per reception and has generated eight interceptions and 10 pass breakups.
Having played under Anarumo for six seasons, Pratt is obviously very comfortable in that system, one that demands versatility as part of disguising the defensive coverages, and there is value in that, given the big shift that comes with a new scheme.
The Colts also have a need at the linebacker position with EJ Speed set to hit free agency.
If it gets to the point where the Bengals are willing to trade Pratt, what type of trade compensation they would be looking for is not known.
What we do know at this time is that whoever might land Pratt would inherit a contract with a modest $8.18 million cap hit in 2025. However, this is the final year of Pratt’s current deal so an extension would likely be apart of the equation.
Whether or not GM Chris Ballard has interest in Pratt remains to be seen, but there is an obvious fit in Indianapolis with the Colts having a need at linebacker and Anarumo being the new defensive play caller.
(This article was updated to provide additional information.)