Colts-Bengals trade idea solves Indy's biggest need with $20 million star

Throughout the offseason, the Indianapolis Colts have been suggested as a landing spot for a pair of Cincinnati Bengals defenders.

While much of those suggestions and proposals have surrounding the possibility of a Trey Hendrickson trade, there's another disgruntled member of the Bengals defense.

That comes in the form of veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt, who requested a trade earlier in the offseason.

Indianapolis still has a need to add some quality competition to the linebacker position next to Zaire Franklin, which is why Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus suggested they trade for Pratt.

Outside of Zaire Franklin, the Colts have very little starting experience in their linebacking corps. New defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo could target the captain of his former defense in Cincinnati, Germaine Pratt.

The veteran linebacker is technically still under contract, but the writing is on the wall that he will be cut or traded this summer. The price to trade for Pratt would likely be minimal, or the Colts could take their chances following his release. While Pratt’s modest grading profile (60.5 PFF overall grade in 2024) doesn’t excite, his knowledge of Anarumo’s scheme should.

With E.J. Speed moving on to the division rival Houston Texans, the Colts are currently relying on second-year backer Jaylon Carlies to man the WILL position next to Franklin. It could work out of Carlies takes the necessary leap.

However, Pratt is still an intriguing veteran option. In 2024, the former third-round pick set career-high marks in tackles (143), solo tackles (80) and defensive stops (53), per Pro Football Focus. However, he also struggled a bit in coverage, allowing a 103.5 passer rating and career-high three touchdowns on 79 targets.

What the Colts would have to give up in a trade for Pratt isn't clear, but it likely wouldn't be much. He's going into the final year of the three-year, $20.3 million deal he signed ahead of the 2023 season, per Spotrac.

Pratt  has a $7.9 million cap hit for the 2025 campaign, but the Colts would be on the hook for $5.7 million.