qq. BREAKING: The Cowboys waste ZERO time — snatching up a former 3rd-round linebacker just 12 hours after the Raiders cut him. Smart front-office chess move… or pure desperation from “America’s Team”?
Frisco, TX – October 7, 2025
The Dallas Cowboys have moved quickly to strengthen their linebacker corps, reaching an agreement to sign veteran LB Germaine Pratt — just 12 hours after his release from the Las Vegas Raiders, according to league sources.
Pratt, a former third-round pick out of NC State in 2019, became available following his unexpected release on Monday. The Raiders’ decision came after Pratt wasleft out of the team’s travel roster for their matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, amid growing frustration over his reduced defensive role under head coach Pete Carroll.
Dallas wasted no time pouncing on the opportunity. The Cowboys have been actively searching for veteran depth sinceJack Sanborn’s injury and the Micah Parsons trade, which left a leadership void in the front seven. Pratt is expected to compete for rotational snaps immediately, offering toughness and experience in run defense.
During his five-year stint with theCincinnati Bengals, Pratt built a reputation as a hard-hitting, sideline-to-sideline linebacker, logging over 450 career tackles, 4 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles. His physical playstyle fits perfectly with Dan Quinn’s aggressive defensive scheme.
A team source described the move as “strategic and urgent,” noting that Dallas wanted to “add an experienced voice” before their Week 6 showdown against the Chargers.
If Pratt passes his physical, the deal is expected to be finalized within 24 hours, marking yet another savvy midseason pickup by Jerry Jones and the Cowboys front office — one that could pay dividends down the stretch in a tight NFC race.
