Dalton Risner Linked to New Team
Former Minnesota Vikings offensive guard Dalton Risner still lives in the NFL’s marketplace.
Dalton Risner is still a free agent, and one spot might be just right for him.
After the draft, a few notable free agents typically join new teams, and some believe Risner could follow suit before too long. The man is an adept pass protector, a mediocre run-blocking asset, and should have a job before too long.
And according to Pro Football Focus, the team eager for his services should be the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers as a Landing Spot for Dalton Risner
PFF’s Mason Cameron identified one need apiece for each NFC team last week, and for San Francisco, he landed on offensive line aid, while name-dropping Risner.
Cameron wrote, “Find more interior offensive line depth. If you’re going to hand your quarterback a lucrative contract, it would also be wise to shore up the protection in front of him. While the 49ers have taken a few stabs at solidifying the interior this offseason, more veteran depth would go a long way.”
“Dalton Risner would profile as a positive addition, given his experience and grading profile as a pass blocker, having earned a 76.1 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2024.”
For curious minds, Cameron recommended another depth cornerback for Minnesota: “The Vikings were active in free agency to replenish their secondary, re-signing Byron Murphy Jr. and bringing in Isaiah Rodgers. Mekhi Blackmon will be tabbed to play an increased role, but the Vikings don’t have much proven depth behind him.”
“Asante Samuel Jr. is just 25 years old and, despite struggles due to injury in 2024, still maintains a solid grading profile in coverage. Across 2022 and 2023, Samuel posted an 82.0 PFF coverage grade at outside cornerback.”
49ers Guards in 2025
For now, the 49ers employ these guards:
- Dominick Puni
- Ben Bartch
- Spencer Buford
- Nick Zakelj
- Connor Colby
- Drew Moss
- Zach Johnson
Puni performed wonderfully for a 3rd-Round rookie last year, and Bartch is also solid. Adding Risner would be about depth.
Risner’s Consistent Free Agency Woes
Oddly, this free agency drought occurs habitually for Risner. For three straight offseasons, after departing the Denver Broncos, no team has ever been in a rush to sign him.
It’s a tradition by now.
So, the veteran guard must wait patiently for the phone to ring, and by this time, he’ll be on deck for this 2023 and 2024 role — not starting immediately but emerging for a club when a guard injury hits.
That’s the way it worked in Minnesota for Risner.
Vikings Guards Sans Risner
Without Risner, the Vikings have these guards on the menu for 2025:
- Will Fries
- Donovan Jackson
- Blake Brandel
- Henry Byrd
- Joe Huber
- Marcellus Johnson
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah fundamentally rebuilt the group this offseason, onboarding Fries for $88 million over five years and drafting Jackson with his Round 1 selection.
After the draft, Minnesota doesn’t really need Risner.
Cardinals a Theory for Risner, Too
SI.com’s Alex D’Agostino recommended Risner to the Cardinals last weekend. The man is a semi-hot commodity for depth purposes.
D’Agostino wrote, “The Cardinals would do well to bring in another starter, preferably a veteran to aid in the development of younger guys like Adams and Conner, and veteran guard Dalton Risner is one of the few remaining options with any amount of solidity.”
“Risner is 29 years old, and has been a sturdy interior OL with both the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings. In 2024, he posted a well-above-average 76.2 pass blocking grade, committed zero penalties, and allowed zero sacks per Pro Football Focus.”
Risner also used social media a few weeks ago to claim he’d like to join the Cincinnati Bengals.
D’Agostino added, “He allowed 16 total pressures and just one QB hit over the course of 537 offensive snaps. He’s generally been more suited to pass protection than run-blocking, but has been reliable at protecting his QB, and plays clean football. The main sticking point is injury concerns, as he’s missed time in his past four seasons. He played just 10 games in 2024.”
“He might not be quite as dominant as former Cardinals guard Will Hernandez, but he does have veteran savvy and a solid toolkit, and has been at least an above-average player almost every year of his career.”
No matter where he signs, Risner will be affordable. No team will hand him megabucks.
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