Bengals release Dre Kirkpatrick in defensive overhaul

Posted March 31, 2020 7:00 am

By JOE KAY

FILE - In this Sept. 8, 2019, file photo, Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick stands on the field during warmups before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Seattle. The Bengals released starting cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, another move to overhaul their secondary after a 2-14 season. Kirkpatrick was a first-round pick in 2012 and started 67 games in eight seasons. He missed 10 games last season with a knee injury. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear, File) The Associated Press

CINCINNATI (AP) - The Bengals released starting cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick on Tuesday, another move to overhaul their secondary after a 2-14 season.

Kirkpatrick was a first-round pick in 2012 and started 67 games in eight seasons. He missed 10 games last season with a knee injury.

Kirkpatrick was involved in the most significant play of coach Zac Taylor's first season. He bumped into A.J. Green while breaking up a pass during a 7-on-7 drill in the first practice of training camp in Dayton, Ohio. Green landed awkwardly and suffered a severe injury to his left ankle, requiring surgery and sidelining him for the season.

'œDre was a part of the Bengals' organization for many years, and displayed passion, energy and competitiveness both on and off the field,'ť Taylor said.

In his six games last season, Kirkpatrick had one sack, broke up four passes, and didn't get an interception. During his eight seasons, he had 10 interceptions and three sacks.

It's the Bengals' third move in free agency to improve the secondary. They also released cornerback B.W. Webb, who started 12 games last season in part because of Kirkpatrick's injury, and agreed to a deal with former Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes.

Waynes and William Jackson III - a first-round pick in 2016 - are expected to start next season.

Slot cornerback Darqueze Dennard - another first-round pick - is a free agent after six seasons in Cincinnati. He agreed to a three-year deal with Jacksonville, but couldn't agree on final details and parted ways with the Jaguars.

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Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Nov. 5, 2017, file photo, Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Darqueze Dennard (21) calls a formation to the defensive backs during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Dennard have parted ways nine days after agreeing to a three-year, $13.5 million contract in free agency. The Jaguars said Thursday, March 26, 2020, 'the two sides could not come to an agreement on the final contract terms. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, File) The Associated Press

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