Germaine Pratt is officially on the market, and while his talent and track record make him one of the top available linebackers, don’t expect the Los Angeles Rams to be first in line.
Pratt, 29, requested a trade from the Bengals earlier this offseason and is now being released after Cincinnati added younger talent at linebacker and shifted its financial focus to the offensive side of the ball. The move frees up nearly $6 million in cap space and ends a six-year run for Pratt, who played in at least 15 games every season and tallied a career-high 143 tackles in 2024.
On paper, the Rams seem like a logical fit. They’ve done little to address their inside linebacker group beyond drafting fifth-rounder Chris Paul Jr., and are set to roll with a rotation that includes Troy Reeder, Nate Landman, and Omar Speights—hardly an inspiring group for a team looking to stay competitive in the NFC West. Pratt would instantly be the most proven player in that room and could serve as both a tone-setter and stabilizing presence.
Los Angeles Rams Perfect Fit For Germaine Pratt, But….
But here’s the catch: the Rams simply don’t prioritize the inside linebacker position.
Under Sean McVay and GM Les Snead, Los Angeles has consistently de-emphasized off-ball linebackers when it comes to spending and roster construction. They let Cory Littleton walk in free agency, waited until the fifth round to draft Paul, and even traded away Ernest Jones last year—a move still drawing criticism. The one time the team did take a big swing at the position, Bobby Wagner, they moved on post-haste — as if the move was a big mistake.
Pratt, who carries a market value north of $9 million per year, is unlikely to fall within the financial parameters they are willing to meet at that position.
Even if Pratt’s price drops following his release, history suggests L.A. will pass. They’ve built their defense around value and versatility, not splash moves at linebacker. As much sense as Pratt might make on the field, the Rams’ front office operates with a different set of priorities—and investing real money in an off-ball linebacker just isn’t one of them.
So while fans may see a clear fit, don’t be surprised if Germaine Pratt lands elsewhere. The Rams will likely stick to their plan, betting on scheme and youth rather than paying for a proven, veteran linebacker.
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