If there’s one glaring flaw about this year’s Los Angeles Rams team, it’s the linebacking unit. The Rams’ front office failed to add anyone substantial this offseason, besides Chris Paul Jr. in the NFL draft. Given the striking lack of depth from an expected NFC contender, L.A. was suggested to “kick the tires” for an off-ball linebacker residing in the AFC.
In his May 6 column, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox named Cincinnati Bengals LB Germaine Pratt as an option for the Rams:
“The Los Angeles Rams may also want to kick the tires on Pratt. They entered the offseason needing to upgrade their defensive back seven, but they didn’t draft an off-ball linebacker before taking Mississippi’s Chris Paul Jr. in the fifth round.”
Cincinnati has prioritized its high-flying offense this offseason, making guys like him and Trey Hendrickson expendable. Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Feb. 12 that Pratt had requested a trade. The request came after the Bengals made it known they would be devoting resources to keep the offensive core together, and the team fired longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, whom Pratt was close to.
Pratt has played all 17 regular season games in back-to-back campaigns and amassed a career-high 143 combined tackles in 2024. The North Carolina State product will forever be endeared in Cincy. He intercepted Derek Carr in the 2022 Wild Card Round to seal the Bengals’ first playoff win since the 1990 season.
Former NC State linebacker Germaine Pratt seals the Bengals’ playoff win with an interception in the red zone on the final play of the game! #PackPros pic.twitter.com/3VTAe95loI
— Cory Smith (@RCorySmith) January 16, 2022
Now, Pratt could be on the move. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler said May 7 that the linebacker could be cut, as a trade has not materialized.
The Rams haven’t had a decent linebacker roaming the sidelines since Ernest Jones was foolishly traded ahead of last season. If the intention is to ride out the storm and wait for someone to emerge like Paul, that is a dumb strategy. Expecting a rookie fifth-rounder—no matter how good—to carry the unit, is way too much to place on his shoulders.
L.A. is unlikely to pursue a trade to shore up its depth in this spot before the season. However, if Pratt winds up getting cut, the Rams would be foolish not to give his agent a call.
