Lou Anarumo hire may already pay off for Colts as star Bengals LB requests trade

The Indianapolis Colts defense is predicted to get a huge boost in 2025, thanks to their new defensive coordinator. Lou Anarumo was hired as the replacement for Gus Bradley, and while there are some concerns over whether or not he is the best man for the job, he's also seen as a certain improvement over Bradley.

Anarumo previously served as defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, and he brought linebackers coach James Bettcher with him. There are numerous defensive free agents from Cincinnati that Anarumo could lure to Indianapolis, but a new bombshell report indicates a leading Bengals defender is looking to leave Cincinnati.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network has reported that Germaine Pratt is requesting a trade after having spent the entirety of his career in Cincinnati. Originally drafted in 2019, Pratt has been a major leader for the Bengals on defense. He led the team with 143 tackles, the 10th best in the NFL, and also had multiple interceptions and forced fumbles in 2024, his best season to date.

Alongside Zaire Franklin, Pratt could add a very dangerous element to the Colts defense.

The Colts will absolutely need to add linebackers in the offseason, whether through a trade, free agency, or the draft. Franklin is not going anywhere, but E.J. Speed and Grant Stuard are both free agents, so the Colts will need more depth at the position, as well as just overall improved playing.

And while there are numerous teams who will be interested in Pratt, the Colts seem like the most likely place for him to land. He was reportedly close with Anarumo, and it's possible that his departure is what led to Pratt requesting a trade. Hopefully, Chris Ballard won't waste the opportunity while it's still available.