National media outlet calls Bengals pending free agent 'overrated'
ESPN called a Cincinnati Bengals pending free agent “overrated” this week
The Cincinnati Bengals have several key players set to hit free agency next week.
Safeties Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell, linebacker Germaine Pratt, cornerback Eli Apple, and tight end Hayden Hurst will all hit the market soon.
ESPN thinks one of those pending free agents is "overrated"
On Friday, ESPN listed the most overrated and underrated pending free agent at each position.
And they listed Pratt as the most overrated free agent linebacker this offseason.
From ESPN: Pratt's not bad but fails to stand out in a crowded off-ball linebacker class. His run stop win rate of 30% last season was a bit below average for a linebacker and has been consistent over the past three seasons. His coverage numbers were pretty strong, with an exceptional target EPA this past year and better than average yards per coverage snap. But it's a one-year breakout — he hasn't been nearly as good in coverage in the past. Again, this isn't an overwhelming indictment, but Pratt falls behind players who offer more value according to the numbers.
The Bengals likely aren't bringing Pratt back. The former NC State standout is probably going to want more cash than Cincinnati is prepared to offer him.
And since the Bengals don't historically pay linebackers big money, it's even more unlikely that he returns to Cincinnati in 2023.
Based on ESPN's evaluation of him, that might be the right move by the Bengals.
