Dre Kirkpatrick’s release could interest Chiefs if they want veteran cornerback

Depending on what Brett Veach wants to do at the cornerback position, the release of Dre Kirkpatrick could give the Chiefs some options outside.

After weeks of rumors swirling that the Cincinnati Bengals could make such a move, the team has decided to officially release longtime starting cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick. It’s a cost-cutting measure that will force Kirkpatrick to play somewhere outside of southern Ohio for the first time in eight full seasons.

The Bengals originally selected Kirkpatrick in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft at No. 17 overall after a standout career at the University of Alabama. Kirkpatrick has been a staple as a boundary corner for Cincy in those eight years with 62 starts in the last five seasons. Even as recently as 2017, the Bengals signed him to a five-year extension worth over $52 million.

Unfortunately for Kirkpatrick, the cost became too high for an aging team looking to get a lot younger as they select first overall in the draft. Rumors began to swirl not only about Kirkpatrick but also slot corner Darqueze Dennard as potential candidates for release.

Kirkpatrick is coming off of an injury shortened season due to a hyperextended knee injury suffered in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens.

For the Chiefs, Charvarius Ward is expected to start outside once again in his second season as a full-time starter and the team also has Rashad Fenton, who played well but sparingly both inside and outside. Depending on how much flexibility the team wants, a player like Kirkpatrick could be brought in to bolster the outside and bring experience to the unit given how little experience there is outside of Ward.

That said, the Chiefs also signed Antonio Hamilton who is a depth corner and special teams ace and, if they make a splash as expected in the first couple rounds of the draft, then the offseason haul could include a Kristian Fulton or Noah Igbinoghene. Essentially, the Chiefs might be able to draft an instant starter outside and would rather find someone with a bit more versatility (and youth) than what Kirkpatrick would offer.

This is all about fit and future and how much Kirkpatrick has something to offer in both instances. If Kirkpatrick is healthy and could offer the Chiefs a nice low-risk deal from a veteran who has to be ready to win after eight years in Cincinnati, then it could be an interesting buy-low option. That said, the Chiefs might do well to keep their heads down and focus on the draft and allow competition and youth to make up the core of the cornerbacks in 2020 knowing how much help the team’s safeties can offer.