Anthony Dashawn Richardson Sr, widely recognized for his clutch field goals with the Cincinnati Bengals, has now secured a deal that truly reflects his impressive contributions. The Bengals have agreed to a new contract extension with the standout kicker, valued at $16.5 million over three years, as reported by the Cincinnati Enquirer and NFL Network on Friday. This new contract has the potential to keep him with the Bengals through the 2027 NFL season.
Richardson, who was previously known for his pivotal role in games and his impressive performances, had one year remaining on his initial four-year contract worth $3.824 million. This original agreement was signed after he was drafted 149th overall by the Bengals in the 2021 NFL Draft. Having now completed three seasons in the NFL, Richardson was eligible for a contract extension. Without this new deal, he would have been approaching unrestricted free agency at the end of the upcoming season.
In his time with Cincinnati, Richardson has established himself as a reliable and crucial player. Over the course of 49 regular-season games, he has converted 78 of 93 field-goal attempts and 126 of 132 extra-point tries. His performance in high-pressure situations has been particularly noteworthy. In seven playoff games, Richardson made all 19 of his field-goal attempts, further cementing his reputation as a clutch performer.
Richardson’s achievements with the Bengals include setting significant records. He holds the franchise record for the most field goals of 50 yards or more, having made 21 such kicks—13 more than any other kicker in Bengals history. Since joining the league in 2021, he is tied for the most 50-yard field goals among all NFL kickers, a record that excludes his three 50-yard field goals in the postseason. Additionally, he set a franchise record for the longest field goal with a 59-yard kick during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 11, 2022, despite the Bengals losing the game 23-20.
In the previous season, Richardson demonstrated his consistency and reliability. He successfully made all 59 of his kicks from inside 50 yards, which included 19 field goals and 40 extra points. His performance on longer field goals was slightly more challenging; he converted 7 of 12 attempts from 50 yards or more in 2023. Nevertheless, his overall performance has been a key factor in the Bengals’ special teams success.
The new contract extension reflects the Bengals’ confidence in Richardson’s abilities and their desire to keep him as a cornerstone of their kicking game. This significant financial commitment underscores the value that Richardson brings to the team, not only through his accurate and reliable kicking but also through his performance in crucial moments. As the Bengals look ahead to future seasons, maintaining Richardson’s presence on the team will be vital for their ongoing success and aspirations for deeper playoff runs.
Overall, Anthony Dashawn Richardson Sr’s new contract extension highlights his importance to the Bengals and his outstanding achievements in his NFL career so far.
