Punter Larson signs one-year contract

Punter Kyle Larson, one of the Bengals' restricted free agents, signed a one-year contract this afternoon, the team announced.

It is believed that Larson signed a one-year tender worth $1.3 million.

Larson is a fourth-year NFL player in 2007. He broke into the NFL’s top 10 last season in two major categories, ranking fifth in net punting average (38.6) and eighth in gross punting average (44.5). His net average was the best by a Bengal since 1995, and his gross average was the team’s best since 1998.

Larson has handled every Bengals punt for the last three seasons since signing with Cincinnati as a college free agent in 2004. He also has been the team’s holder on place kicks his entire career, aiding club-record streaks by kicking Shayne Graham of 17 consecutive field and 158 extra points.

Larson is the fourth veteran free agent to sign with the Bengals since the league year began on March 2. Previous signees included two of the club’s unrestricted free agents -- tight end Reggie Kelly and running back Kenny Watson -- and free agent Alex Stepanovich (Arizona Cardinals).