CINCINNATI — A veteran linebacker of the Cincinnati Bengals is seeking a new opportunity.

Linebacker Germaine Pratt has officially requested a trade, as reported by a source to ESPN on Wednesday, corroborating an earlier report from NFL Network.

This development occurs as Pratt enters the last year of his three-year deal valued at just over $20 million, which he signed in 2023.

At 28 years old, Pratt is among the longest-serving players on the team. A fourth-round draft pick in 2019, he has been a starter since midway through his rookie campaign. Over six seasons, Pratt has participated in 88 games, maintaining a streak of 47 consecutive starts beginning from Week 3 of the 2022 season.

Notably, Pratt made a crucial interception during a wild-card playoff win against the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, securing Cincinnati’s first playoff victory in over three decades.

He was elected team captain in 2024 and finished the season ranked ninth in the NFL with 143 tackles. His contributions also included two forced fumbles, two recoveries, and two interceptions.

If the Bengals opt to release Pratt rather than facilitate a trade, they would face a dead money charge of $2.3 million on their salary cap, while achieving a cap savings of $5.6 million.

The team’s defensive challenges last season were influenced by player turnover and injuries across the lineup. Cincinnati ranked 26th in points allowed per drive and 30th in defensive red zone effectiveness.

This offseason, the Bengals made a significant change by appointing Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator, replacing Lou Anarumo, following back-to-back postseason absences.