Playoff P is leaving the Queen City.
Monday afternoon, it was reported that the Cincinnati Bengals would release long-time starting linebacker Germaine Pratt.
Fans reacted the way they normally do — all over the place. Pratt isn’t coming off of a great 2024 season, but he also corralled the game-winning interception to end the Bengals’ 31-year playoff drought, so there will always be a lot of love for him in the Queen City.
With that, the Bengals will rely on new additions Oren Burks, Demetrius Knight, and Barrett Carter to pick up the slack.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the news.
Cheers to Germaine Pratt.
6 seasons. 665 tackles. 8 INTs. 7 forced fumbles. Starting LB for 5 playoff wins. Incredible #Bengals career.
When the dust settles on his time in the NFL, I hope he gets to have a moment with a Cincinnati fanbase that treasures his contributions.
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) June 9, 2025
I will never forget you, Germaine Pratt. One of the happiest moments of my life. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/fUTEGpVRL3
— Jacob Tissot (@jacobtissot) June 9, 2025
We had good times with Germaine Pratt. Sure, he wasn’t perfect, but he developed into a pretty good player with a knack for creating plays when the Bengals needed it the most.
When they needed it, it was Pratt.
I wish him nothing but the best. Those moments will live in our… https://t.co/DwQv33xtVV— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) June 9, 2025
Germaine Pratt played a significant role in Cincinnati’s defense during the most successful run in franchise history.
Pratt was also very durable playing in 96 games for the franchise over the last 6 seasons.
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) June 9, 2025
With Germaine Pratt officially departing, all four 2024 Bengals captains with defensive ties are now no longer in Cincinnati.
Pratt (TBD), Hubbard (retired), Bell (unsigned), Davis-Gaither (Cardinals). Major shift. pic.twitter.com/UeBt13APYo
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) June 9, 2025
Germaine Pratt authored the single greatest moment of my football life.
Thank you to GP , a #Bengals legend forever. Best of luck @GermainePratt7!
— Austin Elmore (@autyelmore) June 9, 2025
Trey Hendrickson weighs in on the Germaine Pratt situation via his Instagram story:@WLWT pic.twitter.com/53xC5xZfR0
— Jaron May (@jaron_may) June 9, 2025
A natural question was whether the $5.6 million saved for cutting Pratt could be used to complete a new deal with Trey Hendrickson.
With the release of Germaine Pratt, the Bengals have more than enough money to pay Trey Hendrickson what he wants- and more importantly- WHAT HE DESERVES.
There are no more excuses. GET IT DONE!
— Who Dey (@AndreBengals) June 9, 2025
Give Hendrickson the money you saved by cutting Pratt, and redoing the Stone and Volson deals. They have the cap space. Just do it. https://t.co/AemUkgV14L
— JONNY (@JonnyBengal) June 9, 2025
Could Pratt reunite with old friend Lou Anarumo?
Germaine Pratt has been released by the Cincinnati Bengals..
“It would make a lot of sense for him to land in Indianapolis with Lou Anarumo” ~ @RapSheet #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/kbKQKnxnRq
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 9, 2025
People did notice a drop in his play this past season and mentioned that after hearing of his release:
Germaine Pratt analytics. https://t.co/UmjtUGbjKS pic.twitter.com/hnxlWRjwEW
— Jake Cardonick (@JakeCar120) June 9, 2025
Best wishes to Germaine at his next stop!