As soon as he was released by the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, linebacker Germaine Pratt had interest from other teams – but he said he "couldn't wait" to get to Indianapolis and reunite with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
"He's like a father figure to me, helping me with life and football," Pratt said.
Pratt was a third-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 2019; the Bengals selected players on offense with their first two picks in that year's draft, and Pratt was the first defensive player drafted by then-first-year defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Pratt became a full-time starter halfway through his rookie year, and said he's always had a "great relationship" with Anarumo, under whom he played from 2019-2024.
Pratt in 2024 set a career high with 143 tackles; he recorded two interceptions in each of his final three seasons with the Bengals.
"Excited about him, excited about his talents, what he can bring to this football team," head coach Shane Steichen said.
With the Colts, Pratt could help fill a hole at the Will linebacker spot next to Zaire Franklin in Anarumo's defense.
"Veteran experience, been in Lou's system so obviously very familiar with what we do defensively," Steichen said. "From what I heard, very smart player, physical football player. Excited to have him."
Steichen said the Colts will go through this week of practice with Pratt and see if he can be ready to play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Pratt, though, said he's excited to join a defense that enters Week 6 third in the NFL in points allowed per game (17.8) and fifth in takeaways (eight).
"Their standard is set high," Pratt said. "I gotta set myself a high standard and come up to speed."
