Vikings Should Pursue Freshly Released Defender
Under mysterious circumstances, the Las Vegas Raiders dumped linebacker Germaine Pratt this week, a strange development because the veteran defender can ball. And after oodles of injuries so far in 2025, the Minnesota Vikings should at least explore his newfound free agency.
One notable defender hit the free-agent wire, and after a litany of injuries has beset the Vikings, they should poke around his availability.
Pratt can be signed by any NFL team as early as now, and Minnesota has a bit of cap space if it’s in the mood.
Why Not Germaine Pratt for the Vikings?
In a normal season, Minnesota may not need this much depth, but 2025 ain’t normal.
Raiders Drop ILB Germaine Pratt
Pratt is out in Las Vegas after a rather small sample.
NFL.com‘s Nick Shook wrote Monday, “After four straight losses, the afterglow of the Raiders’ season-opening win is long gone. So too is a veteran member of their defense. Las Vegas released linebacker Germaine Pratt on Monday, a move head coach Pete Carroll explained simply.”
“Pratt joined the Raiders as a free agent in June, hopping on board with the Silver and Black after just one day of unemployment following his release from the Bengals. The swiftness with which the Raiders signed Pratt suggested they were excited to add a player with over 100 games of NFL experience, but four months later, the enthusiasm evaporated.”
Pratt is generally an impactful, playmaking linebacker, so the release turned heads.
Vikings Should Snoop Around Pratt after Injury Festival
In a normal season — one not ravaged by injuries for Minnesota — pursuing Pratt might not make sense. But 2025 has not been normal for the Vikings.
Kevin O’Connell’s team defeated the Cleveland Browns in London on Sunday without seven starters, and while a few players will return after the bye week, the team is still not at full strength. At an unprecedented clip per the norms of franchise history, Minnesota has navigated injuries left and right out of the gate in 2025.
So, when a player like Pratt becomes available for “free,” the mindset becomes, “Why not the Vikings?”
Pratt’s Resume
Of course, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah would have to do his homework on Pratt’s release. The guy might’ve done something nefarious, prompting the bizarre cut. If so, adding Pratt might be counterproductive to the locker room culture.
Still, in the event the Raiders moved on “just because,” Pratt brings an impressive and lengthy resume to the table.
Here’s his Pro Football Focus resume through seven seasons:
2025: 56.7
2024: 60.6
2023: 63.3
2022: 78.4
2021: 54.0
2020: 41.5
2019: 51.0
And Pratt’s tackle numbers since 2019:
2025: 25 (4 games)
2024: 143
2023: 118
2022: 99
2021: 91
2020: 89
2019: 50
Pratt has also logged 7 interceptions in his career — sweet for an off-ball linebacker — and 7 forced fumbles. He brings ample playoff experience from runs with Joe Burrow and friends in Cincinnati. The Bengals pulled Pratt out of Round 3 of the 2019 NFL Draft, the same day Minnesota found Irv Smith Jr. and Alexander Mattison. He’s not an unknown.
Hedging the Ivan Pace Jr. Bet, Too
There’s also the matter of Ivan Pace Jr., whose production has oddly dipped this season. While Pace Jr. may be encountering an early-season slump, with hopes of reversing course any day, his 45.5 PFF score entering Week 6 isn’t exactly promising. His pass-coverage mark checks in at 37.7.
And wouldn’t you know it? Pratt’s specialty is pass coverage.
In theory, Minnesota could sign Pratt and have him in the chamber if Pace Jr.’s woes never recover.
Raiders-Themed Media on Pratt’s Release
JustBlogBaby.com‘s Caleb Gebrewold wrote this week, “The Las Vegas Raiders’ defense has shown flashes during the 2025 NFL season; however, they have also had two abysmal performances. One of those games came in Week 5, as the entire team was outplayed in their 40-6 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts.”
“They have now allowed 27.8 points per game, ranking just 25th in scoring defense. The Raiders were without Germaine Pratt in the aforementioned matchup, as the linebacker, who had played 88.2% of the defensive snaps over the first four weeks, did not travel with the team due to non-injury reasons. While fans have not received much clarity on that end, what has become evident is that his absence was not due to mere ‘personal reasons.'”
Pratt is 29 years old.
“The day after the blowout loss, Las Vegas head coach Pete Carroll announced that the team was releasing Pratt. Pratt was a big piece of the Raiders’ defense, as he was on the field for all but 30 defensive snaps over the first four games. He recorded 25 total tackles, ten solo tackles, one tackle for loss and two passes defended over that stretch,” Gebrewold continued.
“His release will pave the way for Jamal Adams to receive more playing time alongside Elandon Roberts and Devin White. The Raiders’ depth at the position appeared set to be tested, however, as Tommy Eichenberg and Cody Lindenberg were the only two other linebackers on the roster.”
Pratt’s next contract will be affordable; he’s already been paid by Las Vegas.
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