With the start of the draft less than one week away, little movement is expected as it pertains to free agency. Dalton Risner is among the top offensive line options still on the market, and he could see himself signing in the near future, though. 
The veteran guard has 87 appearances and 81 starts to his name, and he could occupy a first-team role upon arrival with a new employer. Risner, 29, has gone through a lengthy free agent process for each of the past two years, both times inking a deal with the Vikings. Minnesota’s offseason has included the addition of Will Fries along the interior of the O-line, however, so another Vikings pact could entail backup duties in Risner’s case. The team is nevertheless one of three in position to agree to a deal.
“Minnesota has shown interest in bringing me back, but only to an extent,” Risner said in a video posted to TikTok. “I will be on a team soon, I could imagine.”
The former second-rounder noted he is currently in talks with multiple teams and specifically named the Broncos and Bengals as other potential landing spots. Risner spent his first four seasons in Denver, operating as a full-time starter at left guard. He topped out as PFF’s 28th-ranked guard during that time, a feat which was surpassed this past campaign in Minnesota (68.1 overall grade, good for 22nd amongst guards). The Broncos already have Quinn Meinerz and Ben Powers under contract for multiple years, so Risner would be in line for a backup gig in the event he returned to the Mile High City.
The Bengals’ O-line setup has seen alterations at the guard spot during free agency. Alex Cappa was released, while Lucas Patrick was added on a one-year deal. The latter has started 64 games in his eight-year career, and he will compete for a first-team spot during training camp. Cody Ford was re-signed last month, and as a result he will be able to handle a swing tackle role and/or see playing time at guard if needed. Adding Risner to the mix would give Cincinnati another experienced option along the interior.
All three teams in question have the finances needed to add Risner, ranging from $16.56MM to $23.44MM in cap space as things stand. Minnesota, Denver and Cincinnati will of course need to set aside resources for the incoming draft class as well as other moves, but an agreement on this front could come together at any time.
Ah the yearly Dalton Risner signing after everybody else does. This guy has been a durable starting G in the league for years and watch what he gets, Probably like 4 million bucks. Meanwhile Poles pays Bates 4 million a year to be on IR so all I can do is SMH. Everywhere he goes he starts out being an after thought and by the end ends up a starter. You’d think that would be worth something. OK Lemon throw me some shade. LOL
Chicago just has an unwritten rule about signing Risner, Mike. Maybe he’s a Packers fan.
Maybe he has warts on his nose and they think he’s a witch? LOL It’s gotta be something. Every year the Bears O line stinks and every year guys like Bates, Patrick, Kramer, Davis get paid and this guy has to stand out at the union hall with a tin cup. It’s really sad.
It’s not sad, Unclemike, it’s called Capitalism, and the Bears are a business entity in professional football.
Raiders need an OL…
The Bears won’t sign Dalton Risner and they won’t release Marcedes Lewis. This is obviously a conspiracy to give Mike and myself an elevated blood pressure condition.
If the Bengals don’t sign this guy they are dumber than rocks. He’s practically begging them to sign him. Hmmm, he’s a tad bit better as a pass blocker than a run blocker. Isn’t that why Burrow is making 55 million a year, to throw the ball? Any help keeping Joe on his feet is greatly appreciated. Are we waiting to find out if Billy Price is going to attempt a comeback or what? This guy has to be better than Volson, because Volson blocks like a stick figure drawn on a sheet of notebook paper, which means the defense runs right through him. Volson should resign and become a matador down in Mexico, he’s really good at stepping aside and letting the object (bull or defensive lineman) run right by him without him touching them.