Colts signed a veteran linebacker.
LB Germaine Pratt was coached by Lou Anarumo from 2019 to 2024.
After being released by the Las Vegas Raiders earlier in the week, many Colts fans were speculating that linebacker Germaine Pratt might end up in Indianapolis to reunite with Lou Anarumo, the coach who mentored him in Cincinnati from 2019 to 2024. Today, the Colts officially ended the speculations by announcing that Pratt would sign a one-year contract to reunite with his former defensive coordinator.
Pratt was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft. In six seasons with the Bengals under Anarumo, Pratt recorded 616 tackles, 3.5 sacks, seven interceptions, seven forced fumbles, and 14 pass deflections. In 2024, Pratt was named the team’s defensive captain and recorded a career-high in tackles with 143 before the team decided to part ways with him.
Since Pratt is familiar with Anarumo’s defensive scheme, he can quickly transition into a starting role without a significant learning curve. This move brings a veteran presence and an upgrade to the (WILL) linebacker position, next to middle linebacker Zaire Franklin. The position has been a revolving door with inconsistent performance from previous players. Lou Anarumo hopes Pratt’s versatility will enhance the linebackers core, which is one of the defense’s weak spots.