The Cincinnati Bengals cut cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick on Tuesday in an effort to clear cap space.
While obvious news given the actions of the front office this offseason, the timing of the move was more unexpected.
Head coach Zac Taylor released a statement following the move, per the team’s official website:
“Dre was a part of the Bengals’ organization for many years, and displayed passion, energy and competitiveness both on and off the field,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “We appreciate his many contributions to our team and community over the years, and wish him the best moving forward.”
Kirkpatrick is the latest move in Taylor fully remaking the Bengals roster. The front office has brought on potentially four new defensive starters and will feature new names on the offense side of the ball too, including Jonah Williams and potentially Joe Burrow.
A first-round pick by the Bengals in 2012, Kirkpatrick earned himself a massive extension but ultimately fell victim here to a regime change and the need for money in other spots during a rebuild.
