The Bengals of Cincinnati entered the offseason of the NFL 2025 with a clear goal: to get the most out of their championship window while Joe Burrow remains at his peak. They won several places in the playoffs over the years and A list designed to compete At the highest level, Cincinnati had to maneuver thanks to a free agency period filled with difficult choices. Now, they find themselves in a position where a well -calculated profession could raise them to the next level and solidify their position as one of the first AFC teams for the coming season.
Assessment of free Bengal agency decisions in 2025
The Bengals approach for the free period of 2025 was aggressive but necessary. The quarter -Arrière Joe Burrow played an active role in the defense of his two best wide receivers – Ja’marr Chase and Tee Higgins – to stay in Cincinnati. Its influence has borne fruit. Bengals obtained a prosecution on an agreement of $ 161 million over four years with guaranteed $ 112 million. Meanwhile, Higgins has signed a $ 115 million contract over four years. The two enclosed receptors, the high offense of Bengals remains intact. This ensures that Burrow continues to have elite game leaders at his disposal.
In addition to securing their offensive weapons, Bengals have made several depth signatures to strengthen their offensive line and secondary. However, an area that always requires attention is the unit of secondary. This is particularly true for the future of Germaine Pratt. Of course, Chase and Higgins offer a powerful air attack. However, the defense played an important role in Burrow that missed the playoffs last season. BJ Hill’s retention was a crucial decision, and the addition of Oren Burks adds depth. That said, the seconds’ body still needs improvement to have a real impact.
Here, we will try to look at the perfect trade that the Bengals of Cincinnati must finish after the Freesty of the Free Agency of the NFL in 2025.
Why negotiate Germaine Pratt is the right decision
It was a swirling off -season for the Bengals. Of course, Cincinnati managed to keep several key players in town. However, the starting secondary, Germaine Pratt, asked for a job and seems ready to adapt to a new team for the first time in his career in the NFL.
Pratt has been a pillar in the defense of Cincinnati since his recovery in 2019. Strips, he started 88 games. He also accumulated 616 plated in total, 32 plated for loss and seven interceptions. His reliability and consistency made him a precious element in the defense of Bengals. In addition, he has become a solid coverage. He has granted an 88.1 or less passer note in the last three seasons. Pratt has also limited opposing quarters to no more than two affected per year. His skill set would complete the breathtaking presence of Elandon Roberts in another team looking for a veteran leadership.
Also note that Pratt is entering his $ 20 million contract in the last year over three years. He should become a free agent in 2026. In fact, Sporac plans that he could order an agreement of two years worth approximately $ 9 million a year on the free market. It is a price that Las Vegas raiders could easily afford if they have acquired it via trade.
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What could Bengals get in return?
A logical trading partner for Pratt is Las Vegas raiders. This is a team with an urgent need for stability as secondary position. With the new head coach Pete Carroll prioritizing an approach first of all defense, adding a proven veteran like Pratt could immediately strengthen the heart of their defense. In exchange, Bengals could win precious recovery capital or a defensive line player capable of strengthening their rush to the passes.
Given Pratt’s commercial request, Bengals can have a limited negotiation lever effect. This could allow raiders to secure it at a reasonable cost. A potential commercial scenario could involve Cincinnati sending Pratt and a choice of recovery in mid-turn in Las Vegas in exchange for the defensive winger Malcolm Koonce. Koonce is a promising young smuggler. He has shown lightning of potential, but has not yet developed a full -time role in the defense of raiders. Bengals are potentially confronted with uncertainty concerning the future of Trey Hendrickson, Koonce could intervene as rotation of rotation with an upward side.
Alternatively, Cincinnati could opt for direct compensation for recovery choice. They could obtain an intermediate selection of raiders. This would provide Bengals with another active ingredient controlled by costs while releasing a ceiling space for potential acquisitions in the season. Whatever the yield, the displacement of Pratt in exchange for aid to reduce passes or a future project capital would align with the long -term vision of Bengals.
Overview
Bengals aimed at cement their status as sustainable supereen contenders, it is crucial to make the right movements of alignment. Trading Germaine Pratt, although a difficult decision, represents an intelligent and avant-garde strategy. By discharging a veteran secondary who asked for a move and securing the aid for writing passes or precious capital accentuation, Cincinnati can meet a key defensive need while maintaining the flexibility of the alignment. The 2025 offseason has already experienced major commitments to Chase and Higgins, but strengthening defense is the next logical step. If the Bengals press the trigger on a well -structured job, they could enter the season with a more balanced team and ready for the championship.
