Dre Kirkpatrick’s next stop could be reuniting with Mike Zimmer-led Vikings

Dre Kirkpatrick could reunite with a familiar face in free agency.

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Former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick has yet to find a home in free agency.

And yet, it always seemed like he might be a perfect fit for the Minnesota Vikings given his history with Mike Zimmer.

Darren Wolfson of KTSP recently fueled this idea by noting the Vikings were “kicking the tires” on the former Bengals first-round pick.

There was some overlap between Zimmer (Bengals defensive coordinator) and Kirkpatrick, the 17th pick in 2012. Minnesota would also be a presumed landing spot for Darqueze Dennard, who left the Bengals via free agency this offseason and had a deal fall through with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Kirkpatrick had problems staying healthy last year and wasn’t playing up to the monetary numbers in his contract. Somewhat poetically, if he goes to Minnesota he’d help massage the losses of Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander — guys who signed with the Bengals, spurring Kirkpatrick’s departure.

On his way out the door, Kirkpatrick had a heartfelt message for fans and praised the Bengals for handling the matter in a professional manner.

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