The Cincinnati Bengals will need to replace linebacker Germaine Pratt during his offseason after the veteran’s trade request.
While the Bengals could simply bring back Akeem Davis-Gaither and get him more snaps, the team could also look to free agency.
There, they might find San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw interesting. He’s No. 20 on Bleacher Report’s top-50 free agency big board from Kristopher Knox and the Bengals are listed as a possible suitor:
Of course, Greenlaw has been an absolute game-changer when healthy. He started 15 games in 2023 and finished with 120 tackles, 1.5 sacks, four passes defended and five tackles for loss. He had another 18 tackles and two interceptions in the postseason before his career-altering injury.
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Greenlaw got hurt in Super Bowl LVIII, then made it in just two games last season, so he’s gone from a top-of-market projection to a possible prove-it-deal player.
On paper, it makes sense for the Bengals to eyeball a 27-year-old veteran with huge upside. But the drawback would be signing him while in win-now mode and injury issues limiting his playing time.
Pratt had his problems, especially this past season, but availability wasn’t one of them — he’s played in 15 or more games every season since 2019.
With Pratt likely gone as the Bengals shift to Al Golden at coordinator, though, Greenlaw is one of those interesting names to keep in mind as the offseason progreses.