Dalton Risner Finally Lands with New Team
Dalton Risner’s wait is over, at long last.
Dalton Risner finally lands with a new squad after months of speculation, ending his free agency journey and beginning the next chapter of his career.
The former Vikings offensive guard has chosen the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency, ending five months-plus of free agency and getting in the saddle just in time for the regular season.
Risner has about a week and a half to prepare for the Bengals’ first game after bypassing all of training camp and the preseason.
Dalton Risner’s Wait Is Over — He Has a New Team
The man with notorious free agency woes finally found a new employer.
It’s the Bengals for Dalton Risner
Risner is now back in the AFC. Cincinnati.com‘s Pat Brennan wrote Wednesday, “The Cincinnati Bengals are adding to their offensive line, according to an Aug. 27 report from league insider Jordan Schultz. Citing sources, Schultz reported the Bengals were signing the former Minnesota Vikings guard, Dalton Risner.”
“Cincinnati had reportedly hosted Risner for a visit as they attempted to court him for his services earlier this month. Risner played guard throughout his six NFL seasons. The 6-foot-5, 312-pound Risner has played in 25 games over the past two seasons for the Vikings, with 19 starts.”
Risner has a bit of a cult following in Minnesota, so folks monitored his free agency from afar this offseason. Now that process is over, with Risner latching onto Joe Burrow’s team.
The Long Free Agency Drought Is Over
Risner never has luck in free agency. There’s no rhyme or reason for it. In 2023, his first adventure into the open market, no team signed him until Minnesota took the plunge in September of that season. His free agency lasted over six months that go-round.
In 2024, Risner had no free agency nibbles and later re-signed in Minnesota after about 2.5 months of uncertainty.
Then, this time, it took 5.5 months. He’s always one of the last men standing for offensive guard free agents, and 2025 was absolutely no different.
The Bengals’ Revised Offensive Line
Cincinnati has been known for suspect and shaky offensive line talent for a while. Bengals faithful are thus quite elated to have a reputable pass-protector in the house.
Here’s the new-look trenches for head coach Zac Taylor:
LT — Orlando Brown Jr.
LG — Dalton Risner | Dylan Fairchild
C — Ted Karras
RG — Lucas Patrick
RT — Amarius Mims
That quintet, maybe a sextet, still doesn’t meet the standard of upper-echelon groups in the NFL, but it’s not hideous.
End of an Era in Minnesota for Risner
This campaign will be the first for Minnesota without Risner in its roster orbit since 2022, believe it or not.
The Vikings didn’t need Risner’s insurance this season after drafting Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson in Round 1. The club also has veteran Blake Brandel in tow for reserve guard duty, along with upstart undrafted free agent Joe Huber.
Normally in a Vikings offseason, there would be a spot for Risner, but 2025 is a change of pace. Drafting Jackson changed everything.
Bengals-Themed Media on Risner
StripeHype.com’s Matt Fitzgerald explained about Risner’s arrival: “A starting Bengals offensive line of Orlando Brown Jr., Fairchild, Ted Karras, Risner, and 2024 first-round selection Amarius Mims gives Burrow, at least on paper, arguably the best blocking unit he’s had in his NFL career.”
“With the floor of the guard play presumably raised thanks to Fairchild and Risner, plus a hopeful Year 2 leap from Mims, is Joe Burrow about to be even better? What a scary thought for the rest of the NFL. He just led the league in TD passes and passing yards last year.”
It’s a bit comical that Bengals fans and media sounded exactly like Vikings fans and media in 2023 when Risner came aboard — excited about a decent-not-great offensive lineman. Minnesota no longer has to search for late-summer OL solutions.
“Will the Bengals end any possession in 2025 without points? People are asking! It’d be nice for Risner to also be sound as a run blocker to help the Bengals be more balanced this season. That said, the team’s identity will be built predominantly around Burrow and the passing attack. At least Chase Brown gives Cincinnati a legitimate feature back whose explosiveness and three-down ability should help keep opponents on their heels and honest versus the run,” Fitzgerald continued.
“Make no mistake. Any way anyone wants to twist this news, this is a great day for Who Dey Nation. Dalton Risner is a Bengal. Now let’s get through these next several practices, manifest Risner ascending to RG1, and prepare for him to run through Browns defenders’ souls on Sunday, Sept. 7.”
Risner turned 30 last month.
The Bengals also signed former Vikings quarterback Brett Rypien this week after roster cuts. Minnesota will face Cincinnati at U.S. Bank Stadium in 24 days.
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