The Houston Texans are embarking on an important offseason coming off back-to-back AFC South titles that ended with a loss in the divisional round of the playoffs. While some of their needs are immediate, such as help along the offensive line and more weapons for C.J. Stroud, Houston also needs some depth, including at linebacker.
The Texans were top-heavy last season with Henry To’o To’o and Azeez Al-Shaair as their leading tacklers, but they didn’t get much help behind them. Neville Hewitt and Jake Hansen are set to hit free agency this spring, and their next leading tackler is Christian Harris, who played in three games last season due to a calf injury.
It could lead the Texans to acquire a proven commodity on the trade market, and a possibility opened up on Wednesday afternoon.
Texans Should Pursue Bengals Tackling Machine Germaine Pratt After Trade Demand
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt has requested a trade. Pratt led the Bengals with 143 total tackles, including five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries last season, but he reportedly wants out after Cincinnati fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo last month.
#Bengals defensive captain and leading tackler Germaine Pratt has requested a trade, sources tell me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 12, 2025
Cincinnati has been devoting resources to keeping their offensive core together and Pratt was close to DC Lou Anarumo, who was fired after last season. pic.twitter.com/NuP0TmxIZv
Pratt’s overall PFF grade of 60.2 was lower than both Al-Shaair and To’o To’o’s last season, but he’s a strong defender in the running game with a 70.4 grade last season. Pratt could also give the Texans some flexibility at the position as Al-Shaair could be a cut candidate that could free up $9.3 million in cap space if designated as a post-June 1 cut.
While Pratt’s $8.1 million cap space would negate most of those savings, it could give the Texans a younger duo at linebacker heading into next season.
The Texans defense regressed in their second season under DeMeco Ryans, going from 12th in total defense and 13th in scoring defense in 2023 to 22nd in total defense and 19th in scoring defense last season. With the emergence of Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter in the secondary, improving the front seven will be a big priority for Houston this offseason.