By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Kyle Richardson might not bring the strongest punting leg to the Bengals, but he offers something as important - or more important - to the coaching staff.

Familiarity.

Both coach Marvin Lewis and special teams coach Darrin Simmons know Richardson from their shared time (1998) with the Baltimore Ravens.

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Richardson was signed to a two-year contract Tuesday to replace Nick Harris, who was waived.

Richardson, 30, is a six-year veteran who was the punter for the Super Bowl-winning Baltimore Ravens in 2000. He spent four years in Baltimore before joining Minnesota, where he punted 62 times in 2002.

Richardson set an NFL record with the Ravens in 1999 by dropping 39 punts inside the 20-yard line. He followed with 35 more inside the 20 during the Super Bowl season.

He was signed by Philadelphia on May 12 but was released after the third preseason game.

In 85 NFL games with four teams (he split 1997 between Miami and Seattle), Richardson has punted 445 times for a 41.2 average and a 35.0-yard net.

Richardson played college football at Arkansas State. Then he played in Baltimore with Lewis and Simmons, who was the Ravens' assistant special teams coach before moving to Carolina.

Lewis was the Ravens' defensive coordinator from 1996-2001.

Harris had the second-worst net average, 30.0 yards, in 28 punts this season. His average was 38.7 yards.

Richardson has two weeks to get ready with the Bengals before playing a game. The team has its bye Oct. 12 before playing host to Baltimore on Oct. 19.

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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