The NFL is all about opportunities. Players have to make the most of their opportunities to make an impact on the field. Likewise, general managers have to make the most of opportunities to improve their roster.
One of those opportunities just came up for Arizona Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort. The Cincinnati Bengals have released veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt, and the Cardinals should be quick to bring him in.
Arizona Cardinals should sign linebacker Germaine Pratt
The Arizona Cardinals have enjoyed what the kids call a "glow up" this offseason. They've transformed from being one of the league's least-talented units to being firmly above average. The defensive line is levels better than it was a year ago. The secondary is improved with the addition of rookie cornerback Will Johnson.
There's just one problem: there are still significant question marks at the linebacker position.
Mack Wilson Sr. is a capable player, but the other starting linebacker spot seems to be up for grabs. The Cardinals brought in Akeem Davis-Gaither through free agency and spent a fourth-round draft pick on Cody Simon, but neither player looks like a sure thing at this point.
To complete their defensive revamp, the Cardinals need to fill that spot with a proven veteran. Enter, Germaine Pratt.
Germaine Pratt was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In his six seasons in the league, Pratt has totaled 355 tackles and seven forced fumbles. He's never missed more than two games in a season, showing an excellent ability to stay healthy.
While Pratt can sometimes struggle in pass coverage, he is a sound run defender. He earned a run defense grade of 70.1 last season from PFF. At 250 pounds, he has the size and strength to meet offensive linemen head-on and hold his ground.
That could be a major improvement over what the Cardinals had at linebacker last season. Arizona consistently struggled against the run, especially against teams with high-quality offensive lines. Adding Germaine Pratt would give the team an answer on early downs against run-heavy offenses.
In addition to his on-field impact, Germaine Pratt is a leader in the locker room. He was a team captain for the Bengals last season. Alongside Mack Wilson Sr., Pratt could help lead the Cardinals' defense to excellence.
Germaine Pratt is sure to draw interest from other NFL teams. If the Cardinals want to bring him in, they'll have to act fast.