Despite the uncertainty, the Cincinnati Bengals got wide receivers Jamarr Chase and Tee Higgins new extensions who now get the chance to stay with the team for the foreseeable future. According to the breaking news, the Bengals just gave monster contract extensions for Chase and Higgins, which is a win for Joe Burrow’s passing offense but it doesn’t look promising for other athletes they need to pay. However, the Bengals are working on a new deal for Trey Hendrickson who requested a trade earlier this offseason, but he wasn’t the only one.
Linebacker Germaine Pratt was another defensive piece that put in a request for a trade and it’s looking more apparent that will happen. Originally selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former NC State product enters the final year of his three-year contract so he isn’t waiting around until next offseason. With that, the Bengals should make it a priority to trade him as he has a lot of upside. Cincinnati has a lot of money left over even with the monster extensions but they’re working on a new deal for Hendrickson who will accumulate most of the salary cap. After recording ninth in total tackles in the league, Pratt should have plenty of trade suitors.
Jamarr Chase and Tee Higgins Blockbuster Extensions Means Possible Trade is Imminent for Germaine Pratt
Potential Next Teams
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders lost Dante Fowler Jr. back to the Cowboys after putting in more than 10 sacks in 2024. However, they were able to retain veteran Bobby Wagner on another one-year deal but as much as the offense looks promising, the team needs work on defense. Jayden Daniels has a capable pass game with the trade of Deebo Samuel so it’s time to add formidable talent for the foreseeable future and that could be trading for Pratt.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints found a way to afford at least a high-level defensive talent in Justin Reid this offseason. If they can do that, it’s possible general manager Mickey Loomis can find a way to get creative since he already doesn’t want to rebuild a new team since 2020. DeMario Davis has an uncertain future this offseason and if they trade for Pratt, the team should be in good hands with at least three-headed monsters of Pete Werner, Jaylan Ford and Pratt.
Los Angeles Chargers
Unlike the Saints, the Los Angeles Chargers have plenty of cap space to facilitate a trade to bolster their defensive pass rush. Head coach Jim Harbaugh loves playing in the trenches and winning football games with a physicality. After releasing Joey Bosa, the team needs a capable opposite of Khalil Mack since signing a one-year extension with the team. Pratt could be the perfect fit in this unit to get the best out of Mack for what could be his final season in the league.
Carolina Panthers
Depending on what the Carolina Panthers do with Jadeveon Clowney, the team will need to find another linebacker either way. The Panthers have done phenomenal getting defensive linemen like Tershawn Wharton to help navigate Derrick Brown’s return with another body. It’s time for head coach Dave Canales to target some more linebacker talent and trading for Pratt could be a fit to ram the holes wherever there’s opening.
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