Colts' Germain Pratt's future in doubt thanks to Chris Ballard's defensive plans

Germain Pratt could be on the move again this offseason after spending a lengthy stay with the Cincinnati Bengals for six seasons. After just a four-game stint with the Las Vegas Raiders to begin the 2025-26 season, he was released and picked up by the Indianapolis Colts.

Pratt played the remainder of the season and was an effective drop-in piece playing beside eight-year Colts veteran Zaire Franklin. Despite not working out in Las Vegas, Pratt's consistency over the years in Cincinnati was enough for Indianapolis to take a chance on him. He registered 101 total tackles and one interception last season. 

Now, Pratt will hit free agency, but that doesn't mean the Colts don't re-sign him, and depending on what they do in the NFL draft, Pratt could return to provide the same stability he did last season. That said, Pratt doesn't exactly align with GM Chris Ballard's philosophy for the Colts going forward, which means Pratt could be a one-and-done in Indy.

Pratt returning to the Colts goes against a 'younger and faster' defense for next season

Not long ago, Ballard publicly stated that he wants the Colts' defense to be younger and faster next season. He would likely try to fix that through the draft, as the Colts need to address many positions on the defensive side of the ball, specifically the defensive line and linebacker groups.

Pratt doesn't bring any youth or added quickness to the Colts, but he does bring experience, and well, he wouldn't be expensive for the Colts to bring back. According to Spotrac, Pratt is projected to sign a one-year deal in free agency worth $2.874 million. The Raiders had signed him to a one-year, $4.25 million deal last summer. 

Re-signing Pratt to another one-year deal wouldn't be the worst thing in the world should the Colts make that decision. It would also keep Pratt alongside his former defensive coordinator in Cincinnati, Lou Anarumo. Since he arrived in Indianapolis, the Colts have brought in a few of Anarumo's former Bengals players. 

Pratt, being one, but also Mike Hilton and Josh Tuppu. Not that this matters when it comes to front-office business decisions, but familiarity between players and coaches does matter. In Pratt’s case, he had a good tenure under Anarumo, so there is certainly productive familiarity there.

Re-signing Pratt as a free agent wouldn't be overly costly, which is the pro in this matter. That said, it is unlikely the Colts move in Pratt's direction, as they are expected to address their linebacker needs in the draft, which could leave Pratt on the outside looking in, playing elsewhere next season.