The Cincinnati Bengals entered the offseason knowing they needed to work on keeping three key players on the roster for 2025.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Bengals are expected to attempt to give wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins contract extensions. Chase, Higgins, and quarterback Joe Burrow were the main reasons why Cincinnati was in contention to make the playoffs until Week 18.
The defense didn’t do much help for the 9-8 Bengals. Cincinnati needs to add help at multiple positions on defense. However, the Bengals could defensive end Trey Hendrickson after his first All-Pro season due to cap concerns. The team will attempt to keep Henrickson, but that could be a challenge with Higgins and Chase.
A Cincinnati Bengals starter requested a trade
Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, another Bengals defender could be out in 2025. Linebacker Germaine Pratt requested a trade.
“Bengals defensive captain and leading tackler Germaine Pratt has requested a trade, sources tell me and Tom Pelissero,” Rapoport posted on X. “Cincinnati has been devoting resources to keeping their offensive core together and Pratt was close to DC Lou Anarumo, who was fired after last season.”
#Bengals defensive captain and leading tackler Germaine Pratt has requested a trade, sources tell me and @TomPelissero.
Cincinnati has been devoting resources to keeping their offensive core together and Pratt was close to DC Lou Anarumo, who was fired after last season. pic.twitter.com/NuP0TmxIZv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 12, 2025
Germaine Pratt has been a solid player for the Bengals
The Bengals selected Pratt in the third round of the 2019 draft. The North Carolina State standout has appeared in 96 games and started 88. At 28, Pratt has recorded 616 tackles, 3.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and 32 tackles for loss.
The six-foot-three, 250-pound athlete is set to enter the final season of his contract. He signed a three-year deal worth $20.25 million before the 2023 season.
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