Could the New England Patriots have Dont’a Hightower, Christian Barmore, and Dre Kirkpatrick on defense?
The possibility is there, especially with the latest news from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
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According to his report, Kirkpatrick is visiting the Patriots. He is back on the market after spending last season with the Arizona Cardinals. The 31-year-old was a first-round pick (No. 17 overall) in the 2012 NFL Draft to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Former #Bengals and #AZCardinals CB Dre Kirkpatrick is visiting the #Patriots today, source said. A potential landing spot for the former #Bama first-rounder. If there is one thing Bill Belichick loves, its ex-Bama stars…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 13, 2021
He played in eight seasons as a cornerback and is a nine-year veteran. Kirkpatrick has totaled 358 tackles, 72 pass breakups, and 13 interceptions in his career. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder was a two-time BCS National Champion at Alabama (2009, 2011) and was twice named second-team All-SEC. Bill Belichick values getting players from the Crimson Tide. Kirkpatrick is a physical defender with great ball skills. He will be a great mentor and team player to have in the Patriots’ program.
It will be interesting to see if the Patriots sign him.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
