The Cincinnati Bengals have decided to part ways with linebacker Jermaine Pratt.
Sources told the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, as no official announcement was made.
The NFL Network was the first to report Pratt’s release, which comes just before the Bengals’ mandatory mini-camp set to start on Tuesday.
This decision will save the Bengals $5.6 million against their salary cap.
As he enters the final year of a three-year contract, Pratt has been one of the team’s longest-tenured players but sought a new deal during the offseason. He was the Bengals’ third-round pick in 2019 and has started 88 games over six seasons.
Last season, he ranked ninth in the NFL with 143 tackles, including two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions.
Cincinnati has posed numerous questions regarding its defense this offseason. The team hired Al Golden as the new coordinator, while defensive end Trey Hendrickson, the league leader in sacks last season, continues to negotiate his own contract.
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Source: apnews.com