Should Seahawks target top-10 tackler in NFL?

A Cincinnati Bengals linebacker with 143 tackles in 2024 could be a trade target for the Seahawks.

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) celebrates a tackle for loss in the third quarter during a Week 11 NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. The Cincinnati Bengals won, 37-30. / Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Seattle Seahawks' situation at linebacker still has some unanswered questions, primarily regarding whether the team will be able to re-sign Ernest Jones IV, who it traded for in the middle of last season.

Jones has expressed his desire to remain in Seattle, and head coach Mike Macdonald has said they want him back. But if things went south with contract negotiations, another linebacker may be available for Seattle to acquire via trade.

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt, who tied for 10th in total tackles (143) this season, has requested a trade from the team, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. Just 28 years old, Pratt could be a prime candidate to help bolster the second level of Seattle's defense.

A former 2019 third-round pick, Pratt has one year remaining on a three-year, 20.25 million deal he signed with the Bengals ahead of the 2023 season. His cap hit in 2025 is just $8.18 million, which may be less than what the Seahawks will need to pay Jones on a new deal.

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) celebrates an interception in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 17 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. The Bengals took a 30-24 win in overtime to remain in the post season chase. / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

That's significant considering Seattle still has to trim over $13 million off their 2025 cap, per Over The Cap, and a cheaper option could be better.

In addition to his tackle total, Pratt finished with five tackles for loss, six pass deflections, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles in 2024. He has seven career interceptions as a quality coverage linebacker and one of the better second-level prowlers in the NFL.

Jones, 25, is younger and already has familiarity with Seattle's system after playing 10 games with the Seahawks this season. The fact Pratt has just one year left on his current deal may also make him a less attractive option, especially if he demands an extension from whichever team trades for him.

Pratt's trade demand isn't surprising considering Cincinnati's defensive struggles. The Bengals allowed 348.3 yards per game (25th), 223.5 pass yards per game (21st), and 124.8 rush yards per game (19th) this season. They were also the seventh-worst scoring defense, giving up 25.5 points per game.

The Bengals have been allocating financial resources to the offensive side of the ball, and Pratt was "close with DC Lou Anarumo, who was fired after last season," per Rapoport.

Seattle will likely prioritize keeping Jones, but more options at linebacker are popping up ahead of free agency starting in March.

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