Bengals Trade of Defensive Stud Proposed in $20 Million Move

Cincy getting something for Pratt is better than nothing ... and yes, Los Angeles - which last year gave up a bottom-five total of 136.9 rushing yards per game - needs help.

The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly planning to cut standout linebacker Germaine Pratt in the near future, and there is talk about a rookie replacement rolling in.

But before they cut the tackle machine ... maybe the Bengals should try to trade him?

There is talk that the 2025 NFL Draft will produce help in the form of South Carolina linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr., who the team got with the No. 47 pick in the second round.

Can he supplant Pratt, who is playing on a $20 million total contract and who was one of the best tacklers in the NFL in 2024 with 143 of them?

This we can say: Even with Pratt, the Bengals defense has been disappointing the past several seasons, so Knight be will be looking to help the team turn it around.

But there might be another way or two.

First, of course, is the idea of keeping Pratt but getting him to take a big paycut.

The Bengals are trying to afford an extension ($30 mil?) for defensive end Trey Hendrickson. A Pratt move might help.

And what about a trade? B/R is suggesing the Los Angeles Rams as a team that may make sense as a trade partner.

Pratt makes plays and he eats up snaps; he played 95 percent of the team's defensive snaps in 2024. He also had six passes defensed, four quarterback hits, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered.

Hey, Bengals ... you sure don't want this guy?

Maybe Cincinnati feels fine with Knight, plus vet signees Oren Burks Joe Giles-Harris in free agency. And if so?

Getting something for Pratt is better than nothing ... and yes, Los Angeles - which last year gave up a bottom-five total of 136.9 rushing yards per game - needs help.

But employing Pratt in some way, rather than cutting him, might be the best idea of all.