In a bid to fortify their offensive front, the Minnesota Vikings have opted to retain left guard Dalton Risner, signaling a concerted effort to bolster their interior line play.
Risner’s return to the Vikings was confirmed by his agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Shawn O’Dare, on Wednesday. The one-year contract agreement underscores the Vikings’ commitment to shoring up their offensive line, a crucial area that demands improvement for the upcoming season.
Having spent the initial four seasons of his career with the Denver Broncos, Risner made the transition to the Vikings last year, joining the team two games into the regular season. Despite the mid-season switch, Risner made an immediate impact, starting in 11 games and showcasing his prowess at left guard. His elevation to the starting lineup came in the wake of Ezra Cleveland’s foot injury, and Risner adeptly filled the void left by Cleveland’s absence, solidifying his position even after Cleveland’s subsequent trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The move to bring back Risner follows an earlier offseason decision by the Vikings to re-sign Blake Brandel to a lucrative three-year contract worth up to $9.5 million. Brandel, a 2020 sixth-round draft pick, emerged as a promising prospect capable of stepping into the starting left guard role, demonstrating versatility after initially plying his trade as a tackle. With Risner’s return, the Vikings aim to fortify their middle line, enhancing both protection and run-blocking capabilities.
Risner’s track record speaks volumes about his reliability and discipline on the field. Throughout his NFL career spanning 77 games, he has incurred just two holding penalties and four false starts, attesting to his sound technique and disciplined approach to the game.
While Ed Ingram has held the mantle of starting right guard for the Vikings over the past two seasons, the 2022 second-round draft pick has faced challenges acclimatizing to the rigors of NFL competition. With Risner’s presence adding depth and experience to the offensive line, the Vikings seek to optimize their lineup for success in the upcoming season.