Cincinnati Bengals Cut Former First-Round Pick Dre Kirkpatrick

The former Alabama standout started six games for the Bengals in 2019 before going on IR after a knee injury

Former University of Alabama standout defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick will have to find a new home in the NFL for the upcoming 2020 season. 

On Tuesday morning, the Cincinnati Bengals decided to cut the former first-round pick after eight seasons with the team. He started six games in 2019 before heading to the IR with a knee injury. 

The move was first reported by Ben Baby of ESPN. 

Kirkpatrick was selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. He finished his Bengals career with 99 career games played and 67 starts. The Gadsden, Ala. native racked up 291 tackles, 10 interceptions, three sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. 

"Dre was a part of the Bengals' organization for many years, and displayed passion, energy and competitiveness both on and off the field," Bengals coach Zac Taylor said in a statement. "We appreciate his many contributions to our team and community over the years, and wish him the best moving forward."

Cutting Kirkpatrick will give the Bengals more than $8 million in salary cap relief moving forward. He was entering the third season of his five-year, $52 million extension he signed in 2017. 

During his three-year Crimson Tide career (2009-2011), Kirkpatrick was a part of two national championship teams, talking up 91 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, 16 passes defended, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. 

Kirkpatrick said goodbye to the city of Cincinnati on an Instagram post this morning. 

"Bengals fans it's been real," Kirkpatrick said. "I want to thank the city and my teammates. Until we meet again."