Patriots work out pair of ex-Bengals in attempt to add late steal

If the New England Patriots like a player, he’s probably worth salvaging.

Predictably, the team’s latest activity should have the Cincinnati Bengals asking themselves, “Wait, what…what did we miss about 26-year-old guard Alex Redmond? Oh no. Oh, no no no…”

Two former Bengals and current free agents have reportedly floated into Foxborough over the past few days for a look-see, and whether he decides to pounce or not, Bill Belichick does have a bit more cash at his disposal if he decides to make a move.

Former Bengal, Cardinal and Alabama Crimson Tide DB Dre Kirkpatrick started the procession, arriving at Gillette Thursday afternoon.

Alabama? Say no more.

Oh, we…we want to watch him work out first? Fine, say a little more.

The Patriots worked out two former Bengals Thursday in Dre Kirkpatrick and Alex Redmond.

Kirkpatrick, who’ll turn 32 midseason, spent his first campaign away from Cincy last year, securing three interceptions in the desert with the Arizona Cardinals.

While the Patriots’ spending spree touched every area of the roster this offseason, it’s fair to remain skeptical. The fire burning around a potential Stephon Gilmore trade seems to have died down post-draft, but there’s a contract decision to be made surrounding JC Jackson this offseason, too. Behind them lurk Jonathan Jones, Joejuan Williams and recent signee Jalen Mills.

Kirkpatrick won’t be a long-term deal if he does land here, so he won’t solve any uncertainty about the future of Jackson and Gilmore. He could be a nice presence, though, if the workout checks out.

The second Bengal to roll through Thursday (Did he say hi to Kirkpatrick on the way out?) was OG Alex Redmond, a 61.5-graded guard (per PFF in 2020). Could he be a viable rotating backup, alongside Ted Karras?

The Bengals’ line has been an historic problem in recent years, so you wonder why they had no use for Redmond at whatever price he’s about to command.

Of course, the tweet above is hyperbole. There are a few Bengals we want nothing to do with, including someone New England could’ve imported to hold down the fort under center.

After all, for every Rex Burkhead, there’s a Jeremy Hill.

Chills. We’re onto anywhere but Cincinnati.

Will the Patriots end up ponying up for either of these former Bengal depth options? A flyer on the 26-year-old Redmond is probably a wiser use of money, but the Kirkpatrick name recognition feels like a classic Belichick snipe, if the cash is right.

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