The Indianapolis Colts have seen plenty of turnover on defense already this season. Two rookie defensive backs, cornerback Justin Walley and safety Hunter Wohler suffered season-ending injuries in training camp, Jaylon Jones has been on injured reserve since the season opener and Kenny Moore II is dealing with an Achilles injury.
The linebacker position has also been a revolving door. Other than Zaire Franklin, no player has emerged as a clear No. 2 option. Joe Bachie, Austin Ajiake and Cam McGrone have struggled to assert themselves as a reliable playmaker.
As a result, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo brought in another familiar face after experimenting with Xavien Howard at cornerback and Mike Hilton to fill the gap at nickel cornerback left by Moore II.
On Wednesday, the Colts signed linebacker Germaine Pratt, who Anarumo coached for six seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Pratt was released by the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday and now reunites with his old defensive coordinator, who brings him in under the belief Pratt can join Franklin and become a stout starting duo in the heart of his unit.
In 2024, Franklin and Pratt were two of three players in the NFL to record 140+ tackles and force at least six turnovers. So the evidence is there that they could work well together.
Pratt, 29, recorded 616 total tackles (32 for loss), 3.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, 23 passes defended and seven interceptions in 88 starts across his six seasons in Cincinnati.