Bengals: Germaine Pratt cracks top 10 linebackers list
The first move the Cincinnati Bengals made in unrestricted free agency was as surprising as it was impactful—at least from the outside looking in.Linebacker Germaine Pratt re-signing with the Bengals for three years and over $20 million was a multi-layered statement. From Pratt, it was a pushback against the narrative of him be estranged from […]
The first move the Cincinnati Bengals made in unrestricted free agency was as surprising as it was impactful—at least from the outside looking in.
Linebacker Germaine Pratt re-signing with the Bengals for three years and over $20 million was a multi-layered statement. From Pratt, it was a pushback against the narrative of him be estranged from the team that drafted him four years ago despite cryptic social media posts. From the team, it was a commitment to keeping a newfound strength a strength.
The Bengals haven't had a quality tandem of linebackers in a long time. The pairing of Pratt and Logan Wilson is more than a breath of fresh air, it's a combo that commands respect from around the league. One half of it received just that recently.
Doug Farrar of USA Today's Touchdown Wire ranked the 11 best linebackers in the NFL and slotted Pratt in the No. 9 spot, sandwiched between Ja'Whaun Bentley of the New England Patriots and Nick Bolton of the Kansas City Chiefs.
It's a huge jump for Pratt, who was in desperate need of a huge contract year in 2022. He provided just that not just quality production, but coming up big in the most important moments.
"2022 was Pratt’s best professional season to date, as he totaled a sack, eight quarterback pressures, 77 solo tackles, 41 stops, and 43 catches on 60 targets for 408 yards, 277 yards after the catch, no touchdowns, two interceptions, four pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 76.2." – USA Today's Doug Farrar
Pratt carried the momentum from his playoff-saving interception on Derek Carr two postseasons ago and continued his clutch ways. His forced fumble on Travis Kelce turned the tide in the Week 13 victory. Two weeks later, he helped thwart Tom Brady's comeback attempt with another fourth quarter turnover by intercepting Brady's batted pass right before it touched the grass.
He did it again in the Wild Card round by popping the ball out of Tyler Huntley's hands at the goal line, allowing Sam Hubbard to have his career-defining moment in his hometown.
Pratt has made too many signature moments to be ignored at the top of his position. He's made a habit out of stealing the opposition's spotlight, and he's just as solid handling the more routine responsibilities of playing linebacker.
Another year like he just had, and his standing amongst the elite will be solidified.
Germaine Pratt wants to run it back in Cincinnati
Loyalty remains a huge factor when it comes to Germaine Pratt.
Featured image via © Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
