The San Francisco 49ers are finalizing a deal to sign veteran cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The former Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals player worked out for the team in July.
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 move comes after an MRI confirmed that starting cornerback Jason Verrett suffered a season-ending ACL injury during the 49ers' 41-33 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The team's other starting cornerback, Emmanuel Moseley, is dealing with a knee injury but is expected to contribute soon.
"We should get E-man back soon," Shanahan said today during a conference call. "I can't guarantee this week, but I'm holding out hope for it."
A week ago, San Francisco signed veteran cornerback Josh Norman to a one-year deal. After Sunday's game, head coach Kyle Shanahan noted that the team has been in communication with veteran Richard Sherman and his return remains a possibility.
The Bengals drafted Kirkpatrick (6-2, 190) out of Alabama with the No. 17 overall pick in 2012. He registered 56 tackles, seven passes defensed, and three interceptions through 14 games with the Arizona Cardinals last season.
Kirkpatrick, 31, has recorded 358 tackles, three sacks, 72 passes defensed, 13 interceptions, two touchdowns, and a forced fumble through his nine NFL seasons. He has appeared in 113 games with 78 career starts.
