Kansas City’s AFC rival just made a laughably bad roster move.
While it is far from one of the traditional rivalries that Kansas City Chiefs fans have followed throughout the years, there has been some bad blood between the AFC powerhouse and the Cincinnati Bengals this decade.
With Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow being two of the most talented signal-callers in the league, this rivalry between the Chiefs and Browns should only intensify in the coming years as the two franchises continue battling it out for the right to represent the AFC on the game’s biggest stage.
Given the recent rivalry, Kansas City fans are likely getting a good laugh out of the latest drama surrounding Cincinnati’s defense, as, in addition to the ongoing contract dispute with All-Pro Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals are releasing one of their most productive defensive players.
Chiefs News: Bengals Release LB Germaine Pratt in Foolish Decision
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt has been shown the door in Cincinnati.
After selecting the defender in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Pratt became one of the more impactful linebackers in the league during his tenure with the Bengals.
The #Bengals are releasing veteran LB Germaine Pratt today, per sources.
Pratt ranked in the top 10 in the NFL last season in tackles and was a team captain. Now, he hits the open market. pic.twitter.com/6OabVd3Dv8
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 9, 2025
Throughout Pratt’s six seasons with the Chiefs’ rival, he started in 88 of the 96 games he appeared in and was one of the team’s top tacklers, racking up a total of 616 tackles.
With Pratt now a free agent, Cincinnati will likely turn to 2020 third-round pick Logan Wilson as its starting middle linebacker.
While Wilson is a fine player in his own right, Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck likely won’t be losing much sleep knowing that he will be one of the top options to try to slow down Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense
In three career outings against Kansas City, the former NC State product racked up 21 total tackles (9 solo), two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
The Bengals’ defense appears to be falling apart at a rapid rate as we move closer to the opening kickoff of the 2025 season.
Cincinnati fans may not love what they’re seeing play out for their franchise, but Kansas City supporters are enjoying every second of their rival’s grief.
