The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a challenging offseason with several key players, including star linebacker Nick Bolton, potentially leaving the team through free agency. Bolton, a crucial part of the Chiefs' defense, has led the team in tackles and boasts impressive career stats. Experts predict he may join the Cincinnati Bengals, who are looking to replace Germaine Pratt. Meanwhile, the Chiefs might pursue Pratt as a cost-effective alternative if they can't retain Bolton. The roster shake-up could significantly impact Kansas City's performance next season.

The Houston Texans are eyeing potential trades to bolster their defense and have identified Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt as an intriguing target. Recently, Pratt expressed his desire to be traded after a breakout season in 2024, where he recorded 143 tackles, two interceptions, and multiple forced fumbles. Though he’s not a Pro Bowler, his impressive tackling ability could significantly enhance the Texans' existing defensive lineup. While the Texans face salary cap constraints, restructuring contracts or making strategic cuts could allow them to pursue Pratt.

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt, entering the final year of a three-year, $20.25 million deal, has officially requested a trade. After a career-best season with 143 tackles in 2024, he’s set to earn $5.6 million this year with a cap hit of $7.9 million. With the Bengals potentially looking for a late draft pick in return, expectations are tempered, akin to last season's situation with Joe Mixon.

Analysts suggest that the Bengals could have a market for Pratt, especially if they aim to free up cap space to retain key offensive players. While teams like the Colts could be interested, a late-round pick seems the most plausible outcome. Ultimately, this move could create valuable cap flexibility for Cincinnati, allowing them to explore additional trade opportunities or bolster their roster ahead of the upcoming seasons.

Al Golden has officially joined the Cincinnati Bengals as their new defensive coordinator, bringing experience from his previous tenure as linebackers coach for the team from 2020 to 2021. Under Golden, players like Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson thrived, leading to his hiring at Notre Dame where he served for three seasons. Now back in Cincinnati, Golden plans to implement a versatile defensive scheme, often utilizing a 4-3 base formation but hinting at a mix of strategies beyond traditional classifications. He is expected to focus on a 'react attack' approach in run defense while also employing tactics like stemming and various blitz packages to confuse opposing offenses.

Golden's strategies at Notre Dame included implementing a range of front formations such as odd and even fronts, alongside unique linebacker roles like the Vyper position. His defensive philosophy emphasizes reading blocks and maintaining gap integrity, as well as utilizing slants and stunts to disrupt offensive flow. The Bengals' defense is anticipated to evolve under Golden's leadership, with an emphasis on aggression and situational flexibility.

The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a crucial offseason as they seek to rebuild a defense that struggled significantly, particularly in run defense, where they ranked 27th in the NFL. Despite a stellar season from quarterback Joe Burrow, who was considered MVP-worthy, the team failed to make the playoffs for the second consecutive year, largely due to defensive shortcomings.

Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo's unit has often been unprepared, with three of his six defenses finishing in the bottom third for scoring defense. As the team looks to hire a new coordinator, personnel changes are also needed. Key players like DJ Reader departing could further hinder their efforts to improve physicality.