In a surprising move, the Las Vegas Raiders have cut linebacker Germaine Pratt after his brief tenure with the team. The decision follows Pratt’s absence from the squad during their recent heavy defeat to the Indianapolis Colts, where they lost 40-6.
Details of Pratt’s Release
Head coach Pete Carroll announced the decision, citing a strategic shift within the team’s lineup. Pratt’s time with the Raiders was limited to just four games, during which he amassed 25 tackles and four run stuffs. He primarily functioned as a weakside linebacker, sharing the field with fellow players Jamal Adams and Devin White.
Pratt’s Performance Analysis
Despite his short stint, Pratt demonstrated notable effectiveness, particularly in coverage. Across 105 coverage snaps, he allowed only 74 yards and achieved a passer rating of 70.7 on 13 targets. Comparatively, teammate Devin White reported a passer rating of 82.2 on 17 targets in his 149 coverage snaps, indicating Pratt’s relative efficiency in defensive situations.
Background and Career Highlights
The Raiders signed Pratt to a one-year contract worth $4.25 million in June, following his release from the Cincinnati Bengals. During his six seasons in Cincinnati, he contributed significantly to the team’s success, including back-to-back AFC North titles and two appearances in the AFC Championship Game in 2021 and 2022.
| Career Stats | VALUE |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 96 |
| Starts | 88 |
| Total Tackles | 616 |
| Pass Breakups | 23 |
| Forced Fumbles | 7 |
| Interceptions | 7 |
| Career Best Tackles (2024) | 143 |
As the Raiders look to redefine their defensive strategy, Pratt’s experience and skill set will be difficult to replace. The decision to release him signals a possible shift in the team’s approach as they aim to improve their performance moving forward.
