Pratt was set to enter the final season of his three-year contract in 2025. He inked the deal, worth more than $20 million, in 2023. In releasing Pratt, the Bengals will incur $2.3 million in dead money against the salary cap. He was set to earn a $5.25 million salary for the 2025 season.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had nothing but good things to say during mandatory minicamp after the team released linebacker Germaine Pratt. The Bengals released Pratt in a cost-cutting measure after the veteran requested his release back in February, but only after revamping the position via free agency and the draft.

The Cincinnati Bengals entered this offseason with a handful of players who were looking for new contracts, including wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, defensive end Trey Hendrickson and linebacker Germaine Pratt.