Las Vegas beefs up linebacker crop
The Las Vegas Raiders reportedly agreed to terms free-agent linebacker Germaine Pratt on Wednesday. He was released by the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday.
He is some thoughts on the signing:
Best linebacker:
In my opinion, Pratt instantly becomes the Raiders’ best linebacker. I thought this was a really weak group after all the movement and Pratt is a solid linebacker. He has 261 tackles combined in the past two years and he’s stout against the run. Some scouts think he had a somewhat down year in 2024 (he still had a career high 143 tackles), He is a good player. The Raiders signed veterans Elandon Roberts and Devin White to replace free-agent departures Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo. I expect Pratt to start over White. So, this move has really deepened a weak area on the roster. That’s pretty nice work in June. New coach’s mantra is to ComPete. This adds some serious competition on a defense that needs some reloading. So, yes, I’m way on board with this move.
What could be next?
In addition to linebacker, the Raiders had some need at cornerback. ESPN reported Wednesday afternoon cornerback Shaquill Griffin is visiiting the Raiders. He played for Carroll in Seattle and it wouldn’t be a surprise at all f he signs and does so soon. The Raiders could also look at free agent cornerback Jaire Alexander, who was cut by Green Bay this week, and Miami is still expected to trade Jalen Ramsey and the Raiders could be a possibility.
History against the Raiders:
Pratt made one of the most memorable defensive plays in recent Bengals history as he intercepted Raiders quarterback Derek Carr on fourth down in the final seconds of of a Cincinnati 2021 season playoff win. The Raiders haven’t been to the playoff since.
Reunited:
Pratt was teammates at North Carolina State with Raiders’ wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and punter A.J. Cole. So, there’s some familiarity and a comfort level built in.