Updated Landing Spots for Dalton Risner
Dalton Risner tweeted on March 12th, “Just In case anyone was wondering … I’ve started 73 games over 5 years in the league … missing only 4 games due to injury… earning the starting spot amongst 3 different coaching staffs … I’ve never asked for a bag, simply just a starting guard contract.”
Updated Landing Spots for Dalton Risner
To date, the Minnesota Vikings have not re-signed the beloved lineman, and the deal probably would’ve happened by now. Risner hired superagent Drew Rosenhaus in March to handle his ongoing free agency.
So, after the 2024 NFL Draft, consider these teams as his top five landing spots for 2024 (if he doesn’t re-up in Minnesota). They’re ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most likely landing spot) using some insight from ESPN’s pass-block win rate.
5. New Orleans Saints
Available Cap Space: $8.1 million
2023 Pass-Block Win Rate Ranking: 28th
The Saints wisely drafted Taliese Fuaga last weekend, but no one is entirely sure if he’ll take over Ryan Ramczyk’s spot at right tackle or get kicked over to guard. Ramczyk’s NFL and injury status seems unclear, and if Fuaga takes over right tackle, New Orleans will need a more efficient left guard.
The Saints’ other option at LG is a familiar name: Oli Udoh.
Who would you rather have at that position? Dalton Risner or Oli Udoh?
4. New York Jets
Available Cap Space: $9.1. million
2023 Pass-Block Win Rate Ranking: 30th
If the regular season began today, the Jets would start a man named John Simpson at left guard, who notched a 56.5 Pro Football Focus grade in 2023. He’s pretty mid-tier. Risner’s pricetag is probably dwindling by the day — just like last year — and the Jets, a club that considers itself a Super Bowl contender, could sign Risner to upgrade on Simpson.
There’s also the Nathaniel Hackett connection from Denver, which could perhaps invoke familiarity.
3. Miami Dolphins
Available Cap Space: $2.9. million
2023 Pass-Block Win Rate Ranking: 31st
The Dolphins’ pass protection was terrible in 2023. Terrible. Unless Miami has grand plans in free agency or signs a Risner alternative like Greg Van Roten, Mike McDaniels’ starting guards on paper are awful.
Risner would be an instant upgrade to Isaiah Wynn and Robert Jones at either left or right guard.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Available Cap Space: $6.3 million
2023 Pass-Block Win Rate Ranking: 20th
The 49ers quietly struggled via pass-blocking last year, but they made it to the Super Bowl, so nobody really cared. The offense, on the whole, also didn’t flounder, a tip of the cap to Kyle Shanahan’s playcalling efficiency.
San Francisco’s starting left guard — Risner’s natural spot — Aaron Banks, tallied a 54.9 PFF grade in 2023. Not great.
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Available Cap Space: $27.2. million
2023 Pass-Block Win Rate Ranking: 7th
The Eagles always find a way to figure out their trenches, and a method to that this offseason is to sign Risner. Vic Fangio is the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, and he served as Risner’s head coach for three seasons in Denver.
Tyler Steen is on tap to start at right guard, and his pass-blocking, per PFF, scored in the 20s last season. Absolutely dreadful.
Philadelphia could sign Risner and flip him over to right guard, with Landon Dickerson staying at LG.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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