Vikings Re-Sign Veteran OL Dalton Risner to One-Year Deal

The Minnesota Vikings are re-signing veteran offensive lineman Dalton Risner to a one-year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Risner, 28, has appeared in 77 games (73 starts) across his five-year NFL career.

Dalton Risner made 11 starts in 15 games with the Minnesota Vikings in the 2023 season

The 6-foot-5, 312-pound lineman was selected 41st overall by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft out of Kansas State. He played his first four seasons with Denver before signing with Minnesota last September.

Risner made 11 starts in 15 games played with the Vikings in the 2023 season.

According to Pro Football Focus, the guard has an offensive grade of 57.1 and ranks 46th overall at his position. His biggest strength is pass-protection rather than run-blocking.

I’m BACK!!!! pic.twitter.com/V3LEawjX19

— Dalton Risner (@Dalton_Risner66) May 29, 2024

In March, the Vikings also re-signed backup offensive line Blake Brandel to a three-year, $$9.5 million contract. Of that amount, $4.75 million is fully guaranteed. Brandel, 27, is owed $3.25 million in 2024.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said Brandel would have the opportunity to compete for the starting left guard position. Although Brandel trained alongside starters during OTAs, his chance to start might change since Risner re-signed.

Risner was promoted to starting left guard after Ezra Cleveland suffered a foot injury

During free agency, Risner did not get an offer he wanted to sign and decided to await interest from a team that needed him. As it turns out, that team ended up being Minnesota.

After signing, Risner participated in special teams during his first three weeks in Minnesota before starting left guard Ezra Cleveland suffered a foot injury. This opened a starting role for Risner, and the Vikings then decided to part ways with Cleveland. He was dealt to the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oct. 31 trade deadline.

“We’re always looking for ways to find good football players when they’re available,” O’Connell said of Risner’s visit last year.

O'Connell asked Risner during an interview whether he would be open to playing all over the offensive line.

“I know his predominant history has been on that left side. That’s one of the reasons why you bring a player on a visit, have those conversations, and we feel very comfortable about his answer to that question.”

Risner seems to play his best as a left guard.