In what was a predictable move, the Cincinnati Bengals yesterday announced that they have released eight-year veteran cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, who was originally selected by the team in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
The move comes after the Bengals allocated significant resources during free agency to rebuilding their cornerback depth chart, signing a pair of Minnesota Vikings players in Trae Waynes and Mackenzie Alexander. Waynes, who signed a contract averaging $14 million per season, will take over the outside starting role that Kirkpatrick has held for years.