Tag: Dre Kirkpatrick

4 remaining free agent cornerbacks the Jets can bring in for depth

Jets Wire takes a look at four free agents New York could look to add in an effort to bolster its cornerback depth.

The beginning of training camp has not stopped general manager Joe Douglas’ pursuit of additional cornerback depth.

New York put in a waiver claim for M.J. Stewart before he wound up with the Browns, indicating that Douglas has an eye on beefing up the position before the beginning of the regular season. Fortunately for the Jets, there are still a few serviceable free agents left for the taking. Logan Ryan would have been an ideal cornerback acquisition for New York, but he views himself more as a safety at this point in his career. That makes him a non-factor in this equation, but it doesn’t mean the Jets can’t land an impact player.

With that being said, here are four free agent corners that could help address New York’s lack of depth at the position.

Dre Kirkpatrick

Syndication: USATODAY

Dre Kirkpatrick endured an injury-riddled 2019 season and is now 30 years old, but he is probably the Jets’ best bet at adding a cornerback who can factor heavily into their rotation this upcoming season.

The former first-round pick deflected four passes and made 33 tackles in limited action last year. If anything, that indicates that he still has some good football left in him. He might not be a starter anymore, but New York doesn’t need him to take on that kind of role. It just needs an insurance policy that it can count on.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

7 potential options for the cornerback-needy Giants

The New York Giants are starved for cornerbacks and here are seven free agents they should consider signing.

The New York Giants were prepared to enter the 2020 season relatively thin at the cornerback position, but they couldn’t have prepared themselves for what was to come.

DeAndre Baker found himself in hot water following an arrest for an alleged armed robbery in Florida, ultimately landing him on the commissioner’s exempt list, and then Sam Beal decided to opt out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

An already thin group became a dire cause for concern, and with training camps now underway, the Giants find themselves running out of time to locate reinforcements.

We’ve broken down similar lists earlier this year, but now is the time to do it again. Here are seven cornerbacks the Giants could potentially turn to in the coming days, weeks and months.

Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Logan Ryan

This will sound like a broken record, but Ryan is the most obvious choice for the Giants because he’s arguably the best cornerback remaining on the free agent market. He’s also been connected to the team quite a bit through rumor and speculation.

Back in March, Ryan praised Giants head coach Joe Judge, while Giants Wire also listed him as an under-the-radar free agent to sign around the same time.

The former Rutgers and New England Patriots star should be very high on the Giants’ shopping list. They need a veteran corner who knows the ropes and how to win and the connection to Joe Judge and Patrick Graham has to come into play here.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7

B/R predicts that two remaining free agents sign with the Vikings

Imagine if this happened.

Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen voiding his contract with the team feels like it happened forever ago.

But it occurred this offseason. So did Griffen’s announcement that he would be leaving the Vikings.

However, Griffen told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network “never say never” about a possible return to the Vikings. He has yet to sign with a team since then.

In an unconventional offseason, Bleacher Report has predicted where the notable remaining free agents will sign. The outlet tabbed Griffen to come back to Minnesota.

“Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported in April that a return could still happen, and the Vikings didn’t add a high-profile rookie at his position. Add in nearly $12 million in cap space during an odd offseason and Griffen might just stay home.”

Pages: Page 1, Page 2

Top 5 landing spots for Dre Kirkpatrick

Former Alabama CB Dre Kirkpatrick is now a free agent after being released by the Cincinnati Bengals. Here are five possible landing spots.

Dre Kirkpatrick was a standout player while at Alabama, and was a key piece within the Cincinnati Bengals secondary after being drafted in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft.

The 30-year old Alabama native was cut by the Bengals after the 2019 season, spending eight years with the franchise. His injuries and age were possible causes for concern by the Bengals front office.

Let’s explore some options for Dre Kirkpatrick and see which teams might benefit from picking up the veteran.

5. Miami Dolphins

Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

The Dolphins are in the later phases of an all-out rebuild. Their secondary was a focal point which now consists of cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Byron Jones and safeties Bobby McCain and Eric Rowe.

While it may seem that there is no room for Kirkpatrick, it’s important to remember that he will likely be serving a supporting role in any secondary he joins. Utilizing him in rotation with Jones and Howard could give Miami some stability and comfort if their stars are unable to be on the field.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5

Former Bengals CB Dre Kirkpatrick speaks on defending his business, protests

Former Cincinnati Bengals CB Dre Kirkpatrick spoke about recent events in the area.

Former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick sat down for an interview recently and hit on a broad range of topics, including defending his local business and the nature of NFL locker rooms and how it pertains to the George Floyd protests.

Kirkpatrick got with WCPO’s Keenan Singleton and chronicled his experience over the last few days:

“I was very scared because I’ve never seen anything like that… This was terrifying because you didn’t know people’s motives. People were throwing rocks…it was very high tense, as you can probably tell in front of my store trying to protect our things and trying to protect the block from catching on fire.”

Kirkpatrick also went deep on the nature of the protests, including property damage. He also addressed the emerging trends of white quarterbacks speaking out during these trying times, linking culture-spanning relationships built through the sport to the uptick in this area.

That uptick includes new Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who joined the likes of Philadelphia’s Carson Wentz in speaking out.

Here’s the must-hear interview with Kirkpatrick:

[vertical-gallery id=33092]

Should former Alabama DB Dre Kirkpatrick consider switching positions?

Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport created a list that states Dre Kirkpatrick may benefit from switching positions heading into 2020.

Former Alabama defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick was the No. 17 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. He played eight seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals as a cornerback, but after being cut, he is now a free agent that can’t find a landing spot.

In his eight seasons with the Bengals. Kirkpatrick started in 67 games where he tallied 65 pass deflections, 10 interceptions, 302 total tackles and two defensive touchdowns.

His numbers are not terrible, but they do not make him a prime target for teams scanning the free-agent market looking for a starting cornerback.

Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport created a list of five NFL players that could benefit from switching positions. At No. 1 on the list is Kirkpatrick. Davenport believes a switch to safety would be better for him.

“Dating all the way back to before Kirkpatrick even entered the NFL, there has been speculation that he could be better suited to play free safety in the pros. More than a few corners have made the switch to safety later in their careers (Kareem Jackson and Devin McCourty are just two names on a long list), and showing added versatility would only help Kirkpatrick both find work and extend his NFL career,” say Davenport.

He claims that Kirkpatrick’s size has hurt him while playing at cornerback. Switching to safety could be a lot easier for him as he is taller than many corners and has the length to make bigger and better plays.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on Dre Kirkpatrick journey through free agency.

7 cornerbacks Giants could sign to replace DeAndre Baker

Here’s a look at seven cornerback the New York Giants could sign to replace DeAndre Baker, who is facing eight felony counts.

The New York Giants find themselves in an exceptionally difficult spot thanks to cornerback DeAndre Baker, who is facing eight serious counts after allegedly robbing a private party on Wednesday night with Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar and a third party.

Baker has yet to turn himself in and neither the Giants nor the NFL have issued substantial comment, but expect a suspension or release in the coming hours or days.

Although the Giants have loaded up at the cornerback position over the past two seasons, their positional group will take a substantial hit without the presence of Baker, a first-round pick in 2019.

With that in mind, here’s a rough guide to seven players the Giants could sign to replace Baker.

Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Logan Ryan

Ryan is probably the most obvious choice for the Giants not only because he’s arguably the best cornerback remaining on the free agent market, but because he’s been connected to the team quite a bit this offseason.

Ryan recently praised head coach Joe Judge, while Giants Wire also listed him as an under-the-radar free agent to sign back in March.

The former Rutgers and New England Patriots star should be very high on the Giants’ shopping list. They need a veteran corner who knows the ropes and how to win and the connection to Joe Judge and Patrick Graham has to come into play here.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7

A look at Seattle’s options if they move on from Quinton Dunbar

If the Seattle Seahawks opt to release Quinton Dunbar in light of his recent legal issues, they have a few options to pursue in free agency.

Seahawks defensive back Quinton Dunbar, a few hours after speaking to Seattle media members virtually, was issued an arrest warrant in Florida, where he is facing four charges of armed robbery alongside Giants defensive back Deandre Baker.

The charges are very serious, and while an arrest (and potential conviction) will take time, the Seahawks may end up making the decision to cut Dunbar sooner rather than later if they feel waiting will only make things worse.

Cutting Dunbar would save the Seahawks $3.4 million in cap space, which gets them just under $20 million in total cap space – not including rookie contracts.

What the Seahawks do with that space remains to be seen, but if Dunbar is out of the picture it certainly makes sense for them to pursue an upgrade at right cornerback, where Tre Flowers has been the starter the past two seasons.

The open market has a handful of names left that could appeal to coach Pete Carroll and company, although only one, Logan Ryan, that would be a surefire starter over Flowers.

Ryan, 29, is a seven-year vet who spent four years in New England and the last three in Tennessee. He recorded 4.5 sacks and four interceptions last year with the Titans – totals which would have been the best on the team for the Seahawks.

Ryan is not quite the prototypical size of a Seattle cornerback, but his ball-hawking ability and versatility as a rusher would make him an appealing, albeit spendy, option to replace Dunbar if they decide to go in that direction.

Other options on the free agent market include Dre Kirkpatrick, Trumaine Johnson, Eli Apple and Ross Cockrell, as well as a potential reunion with Akeem King who remains unsigned.

However – any of those options would only be as depth or competition for Flowers, and the Seahawks may just opt to let him challenge for his old job back and run it back with a secondary of Flowers, Shaquill Griffin, Bradley McDougald and Quandre Diggs – a unit that fared extremely well on the field together in 2020.

This legal situation is ongoing, but don’t be surprised to see the Seahawks be aggressive in bringing in more competition in the secondary if they decide to move on from Dunbar.

[lawrence-related id=61195]

Cowboys News: Dallas eyeing FA CB Dre Kirkpatrick, trade for slot WRs

Dallas looking for veteran held at CB and WR, how they and anyone can best handicap the 2020 draft class, and spending money at home.

Could the Dallas Cowboys find everything they need in the 2020 NFL draft? The answer is, not likely. With a myriad of needs, Dallas will assuredly address most of the positions they still could use upgrades for. However, with just three picks in the Top 100, it’s unlikely they walk away with all starters and impact players. That’s why, given Jerry Jones’ likely win-now mentality as he gets up there in years, the team seems to be considering veteran additions even as the draft approaches.

A few rumors to that end have started to circulate, namely a veteran CB they’d look to target in the event they go a different direction in their first two picks. Dre Kirkpatrick is still on the market and a viable starting-level player. The club is also being sourced as saying they’d be open to trading for a young veteran slot wideout like Arizona’s Christian Kirk or San Francisco’s Marquise Goodwin.

In other news, the team will switch which defensive genius they mimic moving forward, a look at pass rushers in this year’s draft, some fun facts about the 2020 draft class and an analytical look into picking the best prospects, specifically at wideout. All this and more in the latest Cowboys news and notes.

Source: Cowboys Eyeing Trade For WRs ‘Like’ Christian Kirk or Marquise Goodwin :: Sports Illustrated

Let’s make it clear, this started as an internet rumor. Mike Fisher asked a source within the organization if they’d be interested in trading for a player like Christian Kirk, and the answer was yes. Not specifically about Kirk, or Goodwin, just a young veteran slot who may not fit in their current team’s plans.

Source: Cowboys Exploring Free-Agent Signing of CB Dre Kirkpatrick :: Sports Illustrated

Fisher operates from much firmer ground on this sourced rumor, that the Cowboys are indeed specifically interested in Kirkpatrick, who was released by Cincinnati this offseason and thus wouldn’t impact the team’s compensatory formula if signed after the draft.

Cowboys VP Stephen Jones says new-look defense will take page from Bill Belichick’s book :: USA Today

For the last several years, including their pursuit and acquisition of Kris Richard, the Cowboys have molded their defense around the Seattle Seahawks model. Now, they will be going after what has been successful for the Patriots. One day, they’ll even consider doing their own thing.

2020 Draft: 5 pass-rush prospects Cowboys must consider :: Cowboys Wire

The draft is loaded with defensive talent and the Cowboys need more of that in spades. They could look to go defensive end early, and if so here’s an in-depth look at five of the top candidates.

What the “Top 50 percent” rule says about the Cowboys roster and what it means for the draft :: Blogging The Boys

A great look at what it means to have home-grown talent taking up the majority of a team’s cap space and how well the Cowboys have done it over the years, from the original Cowboys cap savant, One.Cool.Customer.

Inside the 2020 NFL draft class: 50 facts you didn’t know :: ESPN

A fun look at some fun facts about the prospects in the class.

PFF Critical Factors: The most important numbers for the 2020 NFL Draft class :: Pro Football Focus

PFF breaks down which statistics translate into quality predictions and which ones can be thrown away for each of the positions. It’s a great look for someone who wants to go beyond the typical box scores.

Playmaker Score 2020 :: Football Outsiders

FO handicaps the vaunted wide receiver class of 2020 based on a myriad of advanced stats such as peak season, touchdowns per attempt and performance when not the only draftable receiver on a squad. Highly interesting stuff.

Gerald McCoy Says Scheme Will “Let Me Be Me” :: The Mothership

The new Cowboys defensive lineman is looking forward to being uncaged in Mike Nolan’s defense.

“I talked to the coaches a little bit. (The scheme) fits me,” McCoy said. “Everything they want to do is everything I love to do. And they’re going to let me be me. They’re bringing me in to be me – get up the field, disrupt the passer, get in the backfield and make plays. That’s what I love to do and that’s what they’re going to allow me to do.”

[protected-iframe id=”eb006ad5cac2865762ced1a844d43212-105974723-50443307″ info=”https://nbcdfw.com/portableplayer/?CID=1:8:2354271&videoID=1726789699551&origin=nbcdfw.com&fullWidth=y” ]

[vertical-gallery id=643251][vertical-gallery id=643386][lawrence-newsletter]

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

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

[sendtonews_embed video_id=”HL696fuMNv-698992-7498″]

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.

[vertical-gallery id=30471]