The Indianapolis Colts have emerged from seemingly out of nowhere to become one of the top teams in the league early in the 2025 campaign, but the team isn’t content with its early success. The front office is continuing to look for ways to upgrade their roster, and that led them to a recently released Las Vegas Raiders starting linebacker.
That player would be Germaine Pratt, who was surprisingly cut by the Raiders after being inactive for their Week 5 loss to the Colts. Now, he will be joining the team that just demolished Las Vegas, as he has reportedly signed with Indianapolis in free agency just two days after his unexpected release.
Colts Sign Germaine Pratt in Free Agency
Pratt was selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, and he quickly became a key piece in their linebacker corps. By the end of his rookie season, Pratt was a full-time starter, and he eventually ended up shifting from outside linebacker to middle linebacker, which helped him become one of the top tackling machines in the league.
Pratt racked up a career-high 143 tackles for the Bengals in 2024, while also nabbing two interceptions, deflecting six passes, and forcing two fumbles. Despite that, the team released him over the offseason, with the Raiders quickly moving to scoop him up. The intention was for Pratt to be a starter from the jump for them at the center of their defense, and initially, that’s what he was.
Through four games, though, Pratt did not deliver the sort of production Las Vegas was looking for, and after his Week 5 absence, he got cut once again. His stint in free agent did not last long, as the Colts quickly moved to sign Pratt, handing him a one-year contract that will see him reunite with Indianapolis’ defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who held the same title with the Bengals during Pratt’s time with the team.
“The Colts are signing FA LB Germaine Pratt to a 1-year deal, per me and Tom Pelissero,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network shared in a post on X. “He’s back with DC Lou Anarumo, his old friend from Cincy. Four teams called attempting to sign Pratt, but he lands with in Indy.”
Germaine Pratt Could Become an Immediate Contributor on Colts’ Defense
GettyThe Colts have signed Germaine Pratt after his surprising release from the Raiders
At his best, Pratt is an excellent run defender who can also hold his own in pass coverage. With Zaire Franklin, Segun Olubi, and Austin Ajiake holding down the fort at linebacker currently, the Colts don’t need Pratt to start right away, but if he can sub in and give these guys a breather from time to time, he could quickly see his role grow on the team.
As noted above, the Colts are on an absolute roll, and they will look to keep up the positive momentum when they take on a vulnerable Arizona Cardinals team that just lost to the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, and fans will be keeping close tabs on Pratt to see how big his role is in his debut with his new team.
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