The Detroit Lions had a tremendous season in 2024, finishing 15-2 and with the best record in the NFC. But while they were considered Super Bowl contenders throughout the year, they were upset by the Washington Commanders in the divisional round of the playoffs.
Most of the offseason has been dedicated to rebuilding a coaching staff that lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to head coaching jobs. But as the Lions go deeper into the spring, they need to find a way to add depth to a roster that had 16 players finish the year on injured reserve.
Of those 16 players, 13 were on the defensive side of the ball, which could lead the Lions to acquire a tackling machine that just became available on the trade market.
#Bengals defensive captain and leading tackler Germaine Pratt has requested a trade, sources tell me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 12, 2025
Cincinnati has been devoting resources to keeping their offensive core together and Pratt was close to DC Lou Anarumo, who was fired after last season. pic.twitter.com/NuP0TmxIZv
Lions Should Target Bengals Linebacker Germaine Pratt to Add Depth to Defense
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt requested a trade earlier this week. Rapoport stated that his relationship with departed defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was part of the reason for the request. He added that the Bengals are devoting more resources to the offensive side of the ball as top receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins pursue new contracts.
Pratt led the Bengals with 143 tackles last season, including five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and six pass deflections. He has recorded 90 or more tackles in each of the past four seasons and has reached the 100-tackle mark in back-to-back years.
The Lions have plenty of talent at the linebacker position but could use some reinforcements. Jack Campbell led the Lions with 131 total tackles, but Alex Anzalone missed seven games due to a broken forearm, and Malcolm Rodriguez suffered a torn ACL in the Thanksgiving win over the Chicago Bears.
While Rodriguez could be back for the start of training camp, adding Pratt would add another line of defense in case injuries strike again. Pratt wouldn’t be as high-profile as some of the moves the Lions could make this offseason ,but it would be one that could help them compete for a run to the Super Bowl in 2025.