The Bengals have parted ways with former-first round pick Dre Kirkpatrick. Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Bengals release former first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 3/31/20

The Cincinnati Bengals’ secondary is going to have a much different feel to it next season. Cincinnati has already signed former Minnesota Vikings corners Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander.

The team is now moving on from longtime starting cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick after eight largely unassuming seasons in Ohio.

The #Bengals are releasing CB Dre Kirkpatrick, per sources.
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) March 31, 2020

Kirkpatrick, 30, was a first-round pick (17th overall) out of Alabama back in 2012. He entered the league with a ton of fanfare after showing out for the Crimson Tide in college.

Since then, Kirkpatrick has been a staple in Cincinnati. He’s started 67 games in eight seasons, recording 302 tackles, 65 passes defended and 10 interceptions.

It will be interesting to see where Kirkpatrick heads next. He’s a 6-foot-2 corner with physicality that certain teams value in the defensive secondary. There should be legit interest in his services on the open market, likely on a short-term contract.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: