Colts Add Potential Starting Linebacker with Anarumo Ties

The Indianapolis Colts signed veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt after he was released by the Las Vegas Raiders.

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

The Indianapolis Colts have reportedly signed veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt to a one-year contract following his release from the Las Vegas Raiders, according to head coach Shane Steichen.

The Colts later announced they have placed linebacker Joe Bachie on IR to clear a roster spot for Pratt.

we signed LB Germaine Pratt per head coach Shane Steichen.

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 8, 2025

"We're excited about [Germaine Pratt], excited about his talents," Steichen said.

Pratt spent six years with the Cincinnati Bengals and current Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. After Pratt was let go by the Raiders, most immediately linked the Colts to the seventh-year defender due to his past connections with Anarumo.

The Colts have been searching for the right player to line up beside Zaire Franklin at linebacker, and Pratt becomes the newest veteran to be thrown in the mix. Indy has started Joe Bachie in all five games this season, but he's struggled to show that he's a starting-caliber player.

Pratt opted to stay in Vegas last weekend and did not travel with the Raiders ahead of their matchup against the Colts. In his four games this season, Pratt recorded 25 total tackles (one for loss) and two passes defended.

While in Cincinnati, Pratt started in 88 games under Anarumo. The former third-round pick out of NC State recorded 616 total tackles (32 for loss), 23 passes defended, 3.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, seven interceptions, and five fumble recoveries across six seasons.

In seven playoff games, Pratt recorded 49 total tackles, one interception, and four passes defended.

What happens next for the Colts? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

I watched a quarter of Germaine Pratt's first game of the year and it's so easy to see that he's a massive upgrade over what the Colts have been trotting out there at LB2 this season.

He's not even great or anything, but he's a starting caliber linebacker at least

— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) October 8, 2025

The Colts have tried playing Chad Muma, Austin Ajiake, and Cam McGrone at linebacker, but none of the players have been able to get the job done. Pratt will likely have an instant impact on the defense due to his experience and understanding of Anarumo's defensive schemes.

Rapoport reported that three other teams besides the Colts tried to sign Pratt, but the veteran chose to go where he'll feel most comfortable.

Pratt adds to the growing list of players signed by Anarumo due to past connections. The Colts brought in Xavien Howard at cornerback in late August, but the veteran decided to retire four games into the season. The Colts brought in Mike Hilton a couple of weeks ago, but the ninth-year nickel corner was only signed to the practice squad and is now on IR.