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Richardson in fold

The Patriots have finalized a four-year contract agreement with cornerback Mike Richardson, one of their sixth-round draft choices.

"I know he's excited," said Eugene Lee, Richardson's agent and president of New York-based ETL Associates. "Mike is going to continue to work hard. Our feeling is that the Patriots got a skilled football player who fits their system, on and off the field."

The 5-foot-11, 188-pound Richardson played 49 games over four seasons at Notre Dame.

With the Patriots dealing with an uncertain situation with franchise-tagged player Asante Samuel, there is potential opportunity at the cornerback spot for young players like Richardson.

Ellis Hobbs, Chad Scott, Randall Gay and Tory James are currently the top veterans at the position. After that foursome, Richardson joins a group that includes rookie free agent Larry Anam (Boston College), Eddie Jackson (recovering from ACL injury), Antwain Spann (Louisiana-Lafayette) and Gemara Williams (Buffalo).