The Bengals Release Former NC State All-ACC Linebacker Germaine Pratt

Yesterday, the Cincinnati Bengals released former NC State All-ACC linebacker Germaine Pratt.

The #Bengals are releasing veteran LB Germaine Pratt today, per sources.

Pratt ranked in the top 10 in the NFL last season in tackles and was a team captain. Now, he hits the open market. pic.twitter.com/6OabVd3Dv8

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 9, 2025

Pratt recorded a career-high 143 tackles last season, which was tied for 10th most in the NFL and 7th most among ACC alumni. He has logged 100+ tackles in back-to-back seasons.

Last season, Pratt served as a captain in his sixth year playing for Cincinnati. The Bengals drafted him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 72nd overall pick.

Pratt had one year remaining on a three-year contract with the Bengals.

His 616 career NFL tackles rank fifth all-time among former NC State players.

Most Career NFL Tackles by a Former NC State Player

1. LB Stephen Tulloch – 959
2. S Adrian Wilson – 903
3. CB Dewayne Washington – 807
4. LB Vaughan Johnson – 669
5. LB Germaine Pratt – 616

Pratt earned First-Team All-ACC honors in his final season at NC State, leading the Wolfpack with 105 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks. He also served as a team captain during his final year in Raleigh.