49ers free agency: 3 cornerbacks to call with Jason Verrett out
By Peter Panacy
49ers Free-Agent Option No. 3: Dre Kirkpatrick
Editor’s Update: Looks like our prediction worked out correctly:
The #49ers are finalizing a deal for veteran CB Dre Kirkpatrick, source said, some starting experience following the injury to Jason Verrett. Kirkpatrick, who most recently played for the #AZCardinals worked out for SF recently and impressed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 13, 2021
The first player on this list whom the 49ers may pursue with Jason Verrett out is a player the team already worked out earlier this offseason, former Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick.
For whatever reason, the Niners elected to pass on Kirkpatrick then, but the still-free agent could be a cheap addition with plenty of experience to plug into the Niners offense right away.
And it’s not hard to be at least a little enticed about Kirkpatrick’s 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame.
True, Kirkpatrick is 31 years old, and San Francisco would ideally like to find someone a little younger. Kirkpatrick does come with a bit of an injury history, too, having missed 12 games the last two years. So, that’s something to monitor.
However, Kirkpatrick tied a career-high mark with three interceptions for the Cardinals last season over just 14 games, has 78 games under his belt as a starter and would immediately be an upgrade over depth corners like Ambry Thomas and Dontae Johnson right now.
The 49ers shouldn’t hesitate to make an inquiry.