TODAY, 5:45pm: Risner had a strong workout for the Bengals but didn’t land a contract, according to Schultz. However, the two sides are expected to “stay in touch,” so perhaps the veteran could be a target for the organization down the road.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Risner is set to meet with the Seahawks. The Steelers are also an option for the veteran offensive lineman. Per Fowler, the player is determined to take all of these visits before settling on a final decision.
MONDAY, 9:30pm: Veteran offensive guard Dalton Risner is set to visit the Bengals on Tuesday, according to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz.
Risner named the Bengals as one of his potential landing spots back in April. Months later, he will go to Cincinnati with the hopes of signing with his third NFL team. The 30-year-old spent the last two seasons with the Vikings and started 19 games amid their offensive line injuries.
Risner has been a starter for his entire six-year career, but he has struggled to garner commensurate interest as a free agent. He first hit the open market in 2023 as a four-year starter for the Broncos, but he didn’t sign in Minnesota until September. The Vikings re-signed him in May last offseason, but Risner has once again remained available deep into the preseason this year.
In Cincinnati, Risner can compete for a starting job at either guard spot. The Bengals’ current first-team guards, Lucas Patrick and Dylan Fairchild, were both acquired this offseason and have an early edge on 2024 holdovers Cordell Volson and Cody Ford. Patrick, an eight-year veteran, started 26 games for the Saints over the last two years, while Fairchild’s exploits as the University of Georgia’s left guard made him a third-round pick in April’s draft.
A poor showing from the Bengals’ offensive line on Monday night may give Risner some more leverage when negotiating a potential deal. Cincinnati has been looking to add interior OL depth, per Schultz, and Risner’s strong pedigree as a pass protector may be especially appealing in front of Joe Burrow.
About time.
Apparently there’s no demand for an OL who has committed 2 holding penalties over an 87 game career…lol.
I can’t believe there is a team personnel dept. that actually has Lucas Patrick rated ahead of Dalton Risner. Dude needs to be canned.
That interior always needs help.
How can you not sign this guy with the Bengals offensive line?
Pay the man. The guy would arguably be the best guard on the roster. Unless he’s just through motions with the Seahawks I don’t see how they let him walk out without a contract. Surprised Burrow didn’t tackle him in the parking lot and make him come back in and sign on the dotted line.
This guy is only a B player but is great for the clubhouse. Not sure what’s that worth.
Steelers need tackle depth, not so much guard, but Risner is good enough that if he makes it to Pittsburgh they should sign him anyways. Especially if Seumalo is injured more than they’re letting on.