Cincinnati broke bank to keep the former Alabama standout.
Though it lost a lot on offense from its 2012 draft class, the Bengals salvaged a critical defensive piece by re-signing cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick. According to a report from Jim Owczarski of the Enquier, Kirkpatrick and the Bengals agreed on a five-year contract worth $52.5 million.
Upon signing the deal, the sixth-year veteran shared his excitement via Twitter.
Cincy I'm coming home 5 more years
— Dre Kirkpatrick (@DreKirkSWAG) March 9, 2017
This shit crazy, The City of Cincinnati will never be the same after this one. Thanks for the opportunity and I love y'all for that. #whodey
— Dre Kirkpatrick (@DreKirkSWAG) March 9, 2017
With Kirkpatrick being one of the top coverage corners in the National Football, it was imperative for Cincinnati to keep him away from divisional rival Pittsburgh and the Tennessee Titans – both of which carried high interests in acquiring him. Since being taken in the first round (17th pick) of the 2012 NFL Draft, Kirkpatrick has totaled 173 tackles, 38 pass breakups, a sack and nine interceptions through 66 games.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
