Bengals pick up contract options for Kirkpatrick, Zeitler

By foxsports
Published

CINCINNATI (AP) The Bengals picked up the options for cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and guard Kevin Zeitler on Tuesday, leaving them under contract through 2016.

Both players were first-round draft picks in 2012. They had four-year deals with fifth-year options.

Kirkpatrick tied for the team lead with three interceptions last season. He could receive a bigger role this season with starting cornerback Terence Newman leaving for Minnesota as a free agent. Cornerback Darqueze Dennard, the Bengals' top pick last season, also is in position to get more playing time.

Zeitler has been the starting right guard for all three seasons. He missed time last season with a calf injury.

---

Online: AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL