Ravens Draft Rumors: Edge, Kicker, DL, CB, S
The Ravens are well-known for their draft approach of taking the best players available regardless of position, though they’re not above taking a player at a position of need if they believe it’s at a good value. That being said, Tony Pauline of sportskeeda claimed today that Baltimore is “believed to be in the market for an edge rusher in the first round.”
The Ravens aren’t likely to reach for a player at a position at which they’ve already spent a 2024 third-round pick, 2023 fourth-round pick, 2022 second-round pick, and 2021 first-round pick. Because of this, I would think that this would only be true if a top-ranked pass rusher falls to them in the back half of the first round.
Obviously, a player like Abdul Carter isn’t expected to be around by the 27th overall pick. After that, anything can happen, and while it might not be likely, it wouldn’t be a surprise if players like Shemar Stewart, Mike Green, or Mykel Williams were around that late. Options like Donovan Ezeiruaku and James Pearce are expected to be around in that range, and Baltimore could certainly pursue them, but only if they perceive them to be one of the top players available.
Here are notes on a few other positions of focus for Baltimore when next week’s draft occurs:
- Ongoing legal issues with future Hall of Fame kicker Justin Tucker have the Ravens in an uncertain position on special teams for the first time since Tucker signed as an undrafted free agent out of Texas in 2012. As a result, Baltimore has been doing its research on kickers in this year’s draft class and could draft a kicker for the first time in their franchise’s history, per ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. The Ravens are the only team not to have drafted a kicker in the common draft era, and general manager Eric DeCosta admits “there’s no blueprint for finding a kicker.” If they find the right kicker at the right time, though, we could see the selection made. Two options on the table could be in-state rivals Andres Borregales out of Miami (FL) and Ryan Fitzgerald out of Florida State.
- Following the retirement of Michael Pierce and the coming contract year for Travis Jones, defensive tackle is a position of need for Baltimore in this year’s draft. DeCosta confirmed as much, per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, calling the position a priority. DeCosta called this year’s class fairly deep at defensive line and claimed “there’s an opportunity for (them) to get better” at the position.
- Another position that DeCosta singled out was cornerback. After losing Brandon Stephens and Tre’Davious White to free agency, the team added Chidobe Awuzie. They also roster recent draft picks Jalyn Armour-Davis and T.J. Tampa as depth pieces. While DeCosta didn’t guarantee anything, he told the media that “it’s a pretty safe bet that the Ravens will be drafting at least one cornerback next week,” per Zrebiec. The team is likely to start Nate Wiggins and Awuzie on the outside with Marlon Humphrey manning the nickelback role, so they could look for an upgrade over Awuzie, but at the very least, adding depth is a necessity.
- DeCosta didn’t mince words about the safety position either, per Zrebiec. Despite being “fairly confident” that Ar’Darius Washington will return after presumably signing his exclusive rights free agent tender, DeCosta said that it was “more than likely” that Baltimore would still add a safety in the draft, as well. Washington and Kyle Hamilton would return as starters from last year, but the only depth behind them currently are two rookies from last year, Sanoussi Kane (seventh round) and Beau Brade (undrafted).
Raiders Wanted Joe Milton, Still Might Draft QB
Deciding to try and improve on a depth chart topped by Aidan O’Connell at quarterback this offseason, the Raiders’ new leadership opted to trade for former Seahawks veteran Geno Smith. Las Vegas wasn’t done there as they were reportedly interested in trading for a backup quarterback, as well, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic. 
The day after the Raiders acquired Smith, reports claimed that the team could still potentially draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. While that seems less likely after Smith’s two-year extension, it became clear that Vegas was not through addressing the quarterback position.
According to Tafur, after news that the team was still considering a first-round passer, the Raiders were in trade talks for former Patriots backup quarterback Joe Milton. A sixth-round rookie out of Tennessee last year, Milton served as a third-string and scout team quarterback for much of the season behind Drake Maye and Jacoby Brissett. Milton felt like insurance in case Maye didn’t pan out early, but Maye showed decent promise in 2024.
While most of Milton’s impact came on the practice field, he got to play some significant snaps in the team’s season finale. Milton impressed by completing 76 percent of his passes for 241 yards and a touchdown, adding 16 yards and a score on the ground, as well. Milton’s impressive showing drew interest from across the league, and while it sounds like Las Vegas was seriously in the running, Dallas ended up acquiring the second-year backup.
After failing to bring Milton in, the Raiders are still considered a team likely to pursue a passer at some point in the draft. General manager John Spytek confirmed as much, telling Raiders columnist Paul Gutierrez that they “remain open-minded…to the most important position in sports.” The team has all seven of their original draft picks, as well as two additional sixth-rounders, so there will be several opportunities to target a new passer.
It will be interesting to see who has more pull in the draft room next week in Las Vegas: veteran head coach Pete Carroll or the rookie general manager. According to another quote provided from Gutierrez, neither seems to have final say over the other Carroll said they would “work it out,” while Spytek added that “if there’s no consensus, (they) probably don’t take him.”
Minor NFL Transactions: 4/18/25
Here are today’s minor moves as we head into the last weekend before the draft:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed RFA tender: WR Greg Dortch
Denver Broncos
- Signed ERFA tender: S Devon Key
Houston Texans
- Re-signed: TE Irv Smith Jr.
Tennessee Titans
- Waived (with NFI designations): DE Khalid Duke, CB Justin Hardee
Dortch has had a couple decent seasons as a depth receiver in Arizona now. The Wake Forest product didn’t have much of a choice but to sign his restricted free agent tender and return for another year.
It’s been about five years since Smith has seen some success in the NFL. He signed late in the season with the Texans after a ton of injuries and did his job as a depth option at tight end. He returns on a one-year deal to serve as an option once again should Brevin Jordan or Cade Stover struggle with injury.
Hardee was re-signed to a one-year deal just over two weeks ago, but it appears the special teams ace won’t be sticking around in Nashville, or if he does, it will be on an injured list.
Steelers Expected To Draft Running Back
Quarterback obviously looms as a higher priority for the Steelers, who have seen their Aaron Rodgers dance extend beyond a month since an offer emerged. Whether or not the Steelers are souring on the aging great, they are likely to make a notable skill-position addition to play behind Rodgers (or Mason Rudolph, Kirk Cousins or a to-be-determined rookie).
The Steelers protected Jaylen Warren with a second-round tender — one that nearly matches where Najee Harris‘ fifth-year option price would have checked in — and signed Kenneth Gainwell to a one-year, $1.79MM deal ($620K guaranteed). They do not appear to be done, as it looks like the AFC North team will be one of the many aiming to take advantage of this year’s deep running back crop.
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Pittsburgh has done a lot of RB work in preparation for this draft, according to ESPN.com’s Matt Miller, and is expected to add here. The team trading its second-round pick for D.K. Metcalf provides a complication, but Miller pinpoints Rounds 3 and 4 for a potential move. Beyond the big names in this year’s RB class, teams should be able to find value (as opposed to last year, where the position did not impress evaluators).
Beyond Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton and Big Ten standouts Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson and Kaleb Johnson, more quality options could be available by Round 3. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. ranks five more RBs (Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo, Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson, Kansas’ Devin Neal, Kansas State’s DJ Giddens and Oregon’s Jordan James) between Nos. 62 and 95 in this year’s class. This contingent, along with other potential fourth- or fifth-round options, undoubtedly would have been chosen earlier if available last year, when only one running back (Jonathon Brooks) went in the first two rounds.
Even as this draft is expected to see several backs chosen then, it is much deeper and figures to entice teams that address other needs earlier. That said, the Steelers have hosted Hampton, Henderson and Johnson.
With Warren and Gainwell in contract years, the Steelers should be expected to use this class to add a potential long-term starter. Even if Warren is extended, the team has viewed him as a change-of-pace option rather than surefire starter. The back that arrives will almost definitely push Warren and Gainwell for playing time, while potentially checking in as the Pittsburgh 2026 starter (after the team passed on paying Harris, who signed with the Chargers).
Making their big splash via trade, the Steelers stand to be rewarded with a host of compensatory picks in 2026. OverTheCap projects the team to add third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-round comp picks for the free agency exits of Dan Moore Jr., Justin Fields, Russell Wilson and James Daniels. This factored into the Steelers’ spending strategy this offseason, GM Omar Khan said (via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac). Although the Steelers had hoped to cut into this by signing a quarterback, Fields passed on the team’s offer while Rodgers has yet to sign. Rodgers would not affect the Steelers’ compensatory formula anyway, being a street free agent. But the team should receive a significant boost to its draft arsenal by letting two O-line starters and both its top QBs walk.
Chiefs Eyeing Tackle In Trade-Up Move?
Donovan Smith did not play last season, but the Chiefs did not effectively replace their Super Bowl LVIII starting left tackle. Kansas City started four players at the position last season, eventually seeing their setup unravel on the biggest stage.
The Eagles’ dismantling of the Chiefs checked in as more alarming than the AFC power’s Super Bowl LV loss to the Buccaneers. Kansas City’s 2020 edition had lost both its starting tackles (Eric Fisher, Mitchell Schwartz) by the time Shaq Barrett and Co. teed off on backups; they came into Super Bowl LIX with their starting O-line, only to see it fail to hold up against a smothering Eagles rush. The Chiefs moved from Kingsley Suamataia, Wanya Morris and D.J. Humphries to finally Joe Thuney at LT. Thuney’s run of capable work on the outside did not lead to him holding up against Philly, and the Chiefs have made moves to address the position once again.
John Lynch expressed surprise when the Chiefs gave 49ers swing tackle Jaylon Moore a two-year deal worth $15MM on average, but the three-time reigning AFC champs have him tentatively slated to start at left tackle to begin next season. Thuney’s departure via trade, following the Trey Smith franchise tag, will free up a spot for Suamataia; the 2024 second-round pick will attempt to find his footing at guard. Moore’s deal may wind up being a solution, but the Chiefs are believed to be looking into trading up for a tackle.
Kansas City is actively looking to find a first-round trade partner, according to ESPN.com’s Matt Miller, who identifies tackle as the position the Chiefs are primarily targeting. Moving ahead of the Texans (No. 25) and Rams (26) is a factor here, Miller adds, if a specific LT prospect remains on the board. As the Super Bowl loser, the Chiefs hold the No. 31 overall pick in a historically rare first round in which every team (for now) carries its own first-round selection.
Will Campbell and Missouri prospect Armand Membou, whom teams view more as a right tackle and a potential guard, are expected to be long gone by this trade range. No other tackles slot inside the top 30 on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board, which places Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. at 31st, Ohio State’s Josh Simmons 37th and Oregon’s Josh Conerly Jr. 39th. Donovan Jackson kicked outside to tackle to replace an injured Simmons last season, but he is viewed more as a guard — where he played exclusively from 2022-23 — in the pros. North Dakota State’s Gray Zabel, as our Ely Allen pointed out in his mock draft, has the ability to shift outside. He is also, however, seen first as an interior blocker at the NFL level. The Chiefs met with Simmons last week.
The Chiefs giving Moore $15MM per year, after 12 career starts, effectively indicates they are done with Suamataia and Morris as viable LT starter options. The team going after a tackle in Round 1 also makes sense when its RT situation is considered. Penalty maven Jawaan Taylor has not lived up to his $20MM-AAV deal, but the contract included a rolling guarantee structure that locked in the ex-Jaguar’s 2025 salary in March 2024. The Chiefs, though, can move on from Taylor cleanly following the 2025 season. They will need a right tackle starter in that likely event. Adding a tackle early in this draft could cover multiple bases for the team, one that has a notable recent history of trading up in Round 1 (Patrick Mahomes, Trent McDuffie, Xavier Worthy).
Dolphins On Radar For Day 2 QB Pick
Can Ward is already assembling questionable rankings that prop up Titans skill-position players, all but assuring he knows where he will be drafted. This now reminds of last year, when Caleb Williams‘ draft destination was known weeks in advance. The cloudy outlook for this draft’s second batch of quarterbacks is now generating more intrigue.
The Browns, Giants, Saints and Steelers join the Titans in coming into this draft with clear QB needs. The teams holding top-10 picks are viewed as likely to pass on this QB crop there before circling back, while the Steelers have been closely connected to QBs at No. 21. Another team without a quarterback need has resurfaced on the radar for a potential passer pick. The Dolphins are viewed as a team to monitor for a second-day draft choice at the position, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
Miami enters the draft with 10 selections, providing some flexibility. They could obtain more in trades involving Jalen Ramsey and/or Tyreek Hill. The Dolphins gave Zach Wilson $6MM guaranteed as a reclamation project, but the Jets learned the hard way about installing the erratic passer as their top backup two years ago. The Broncos then traded for Wilson, splitting his salary with the Jets, before burying him on their depth chart. The former No. 2 overall pick did not overtake Jarrett Stidham behind Bo Nix last year. As it stands, he is the clear-cut QB2 in Miami.
Though, the team having extended Tua Tagovailoa less than a year ago would make a Day 2 selection remind of the Eagles’ Carson Wentz–Jalen Hurts situation. The Eagles paid Wentz in summer 2019 before drafting Hurts in the 2020 second round. Philly’s move edged Wentz out of the picture after the 2020 season but has paid off in the long term. Hurts did not enter the 2020 draft as one of the premier passing prospects, reminding of this year’s lot of second-tier options. But Miami taking a Day 2 passer would still surprise given their Tua investment. That said, Tagovailoa has been unable to stay healthy. The Dolphins have only drafted one QB (seventh-rounder Skylar Thompson) since drafting Tua in 2020.
Coming up as a team doing work on QBs earlier during the pre-draft process, the Dolphins met with, scouted, or “evaluated” Texas’ Quinn Ewers, Louisville’s Tyler Shough, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, and Syracuse’s Kyle McCord. While Ewers, Shough and Milroe have been mentioned regularly leading up to the draft, Gabriel and McCord have flown under the radar. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. rates Gabriel as the 205th-best prospect in this class and McCord 236th. Both would seemingly be available well into Round 3. The Dolphins hold the Nos. 48 and 98 picks on Day 2, with Jones adding the fourth round also looms as a window teams are monitoring for a QB to go to Miami. The team holds two fourth-round picks (Nos. 116 and 135).
A passer chosen in the third or fourth rounds would not trip alarms on Tagovailoa’s timeline, even as the team carries a clear out — barring restructures — on the southpaw starter’s lucrative deal following the 2026 season. A QB coming to South Beach in Round 2 would, though. It will be interesting to see if the Dolphins impact the Browns, Giants and Saints’ trade-up efforts, but after Tagovailoa has missed 14 starts since 2021 (after he entered the league with a major hip injury), the team looks to be considering further protection.
Seahawks Still Open To Drafting QB; Team Eyeing OL, WR Additions
The Seahawks have their starting quarterback of the present and (potentially) future in Sam Darnold. The team has also reunited with Drew Lock to compete for the backup gig with returnee Sam Howell. Despite those moves, drafting a quarterback is still on the table. 
“I think it’s a great situation,” general manager John Schneider said of the team’s new quarterback setup during his latest appearance on Seattle Sports radio. “It doesn’t preclude us from doing anything in the draft either, in figuring out what’s going on there. It’s really like an, ‘OK, let’s get this in the mix.’ Drew had other opportunities, so we figured we better wrap this up, kind of put a bow on it, get him in the building and then let’s see what happens in the draft, because it’s difficult to find that great fit at quarterback as you move through the process.”
Darnold inked a three-year pact to replace Geno Smith atop the depth chart, but the Seahawks could move on after the 2025 campaign based on the structure of his deal. Neither Lock nor Howell (a pending 2026 free agent) have established themselves as full-time starting options in their careers, so adding a rookie to the mix would be feasible. Seattle owns 10 picks in April’s draft, but the team of course also has roster holes to fill at other positions.
That includes the interior of the offensive line, a spot Schneider has previously mentioned as a position of need. Selecting a guard would come as little surprise, and PFR’s mock draft has the team taking Alabama’s Tyler Booker 18th overall. The Seahawks have other Day 1 options to consider up front, though, and one of them appears to be firmly on the radar.
Grey Zabel is believed to be a Seattle target, Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline reports. The North Dakota State product’s stock has risen during the pre-draft process, and he is firmly on the Day 1 radar (although Pauline adds the Seahawks could look to trade down the order before adding Zabel). In any case, a blocker added early in the draft would have the chance to play right away on an offensive line looking to rebound from last year’s showing.
Confirming O-line is a logical target in Seattle’s case, ESPN’s Matt Miller writes a receiver is another position to watch early in the draft. Adding size in particular to a WR room which lost D.K. Metcalf last month could be in play, per Miller. As a result, Tetairoa McMillan could be a target on Day 1. Seattle still has Jaxon Smith-Njigba atop the depth chart along with veteran Cooper Kupp, who was signed in free agency after Tyler Lockett‘s release. There is room for an impact rookie to play a rotational role starting in 2025.
Overall, the Seahawks have five of the first 92 selections in this year’s draft. Schneider will have plenty of opportunities to add at several positions as a result, but upgrading up front and/or in the pass-catching department early would come as no surprise.
Teams Unwilling To Pay Full 2025 Compensation For Dolphins’ Jalen Ramsey
Jalen Ramsey is known to be on the trade block as the countdown to the draft continues. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier confirmed the team is open to moving on from the All-Pro corner even though no trade request was submitted. 
It was earlier this week that the mutual desire between team and player to work out a trade went public, but at least some in the league have known about this situation for several weeks. One source informed Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports they were aware of Miami’s desire to move on dating back to the Combine. It will be interesting to see if the coming days spark an increase in Ramsey’s market.
On that note, Jones adds some see the decision to go public with Ramsey’s situation as an indication suitors are not prepared to make a serious push at this point. Any number of teams would see their pass defenses improve with the seven-time Pro Bowler in the fold, but finances are of course a sticking point with respect to a deal being worked out. Four years remain on Ramsey’s contract, one which was extended last offseason. He is owed $21.1MM in guarantees for 2025 in addition to what he has already been paid.
As could be expected, Jones reports interested teams are not prepared to take on that amount in full as a condition of a Ramsey trade agreement. The Dolphins would be dealt a significant cap charge in the event a trade were to be worked out before June 1 (whereas the dead money could be spread out across two years if Ramsey were to be dealt after that date). Grier and Co. are nonetheless willing to move forward with a trade at any time, per Jones, but retaining money will be needed as things currently stand.
At the age of 30, Ramsey will face questions about his ability to remain a high-end cover man moving forward. The former fifth overall pick also missed seven games in 2023 due to a knee injury, although he managed to rebound with a full campaign last season. Still, that could give an acquiring team reason to pursue a restructure which lowers Ramsey’s compensation for 2026 and beyond. Before that becomes possible, terms on a trade will need to be agreed to.
While Grier left the door open to Ramsey remaining in Miami – a team which already cut fellow CB starter Kendall Fuller this offseason – a deal sending him to a fourth career squad remains something to watch for. A willingness on the part of the Dolphins to retain compensation would no doubt boost his market over the coming days, but a post-draft trade should not be counted out.
Latest On Steelers, Aaron Rodgers; Mike Tomlin High On Shedeur Sanders?
APRIL 18: Members of the Steelers’ organization are anxious to move forward, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones writes. He adds, however, that Pittsburgh remains open to working out a deal – something which may very well take place after the draft. Jones predicts the Steelers’ “cutoff point” on the Rodgers front will come at some time this offseason, but it will likely not be after a rookie is selected (presuming the team takes that route next week).
APRIL 17: Aaron Rodgers broke his silence Thursday, but while he spoke of a disappointing exit meeting with the Jets’ new brass and of his batch of suitors, the high-profile (and high-maintenance) quarterback did not give a timeline for when, or if, he would sign. This leaves the Steelers — the lone team still waiting out this situation — a major question to answer soon. Will they opt to join the Giants in moving on?
That is not out of the question. This might be a situation the team chooses to steer clear of due to the “headache” that has been known to come with employing Rodgers, Sportskeeda.com’s Tony Pauline writes. The Steelers still seem quite interested in Rodgers, to the point their power brokers expressed optimism about an agreement coming to fruition recently. But Pittsburgh’s offer has been on the table for over a month now. With the draft a week away, the team at least needs to have a contingency plan.
[RELATED: No Rodgers Timeline In Place; Steelers Have Explored Other QBs]
Going from Russell Wilson to Mason Rudolph would not qualify as an upgrade for the Steelers, despite the party line of the team being confident in the former Ben Roethlisberger backup and Kenny Pickett replacement. Retirement remains in play for Rodgers, who had alerted the Vikings of his interest in landing there this offseason. The Giants saw the writing on the wall and signed Wilson.
While Rodgers has thrown passes to D.K. Metcalf this offseason, the Steelers may need to come out of this draft with a starter-caliber option. Otherwise, the Rudolph insurance option may become necessary. Joe Flacco rejoining the Browns, and the Falcons are still wanting a suitor to pay a sizable portion of Kirk Cousins‘ 2025 salary in the event of a post-draft trade. That is believed to be an issue for the Steelers.
Rodgers did not give the Steelers an ultimatum regarding their draft strategy, as he would qualify as likely a 2025-only solution if he were to sign. This would not stand to affect the Steelers in the draft, though had Rodgers committed already, the team could certainly have the freedom to bolster its roster around the aging QB in the first round. Instead, the prospect the team uses a first-round pick on a quarterback has been bandied about for weeks. Ely Allen’s PFR mock draft sends Shedeur Sanders to Pittsburgh at No. 21, and Pauline points to that scenario being one the team’s highest-profile staffer may well endorse.
Mike Tomlin is a Sanders supporter, per Pauline, who adds the 19th-year HC would be “in favor” of drafting the Colorado prospect. Sanders detractors have pointed to a lack of high-level traits worthy of a first-round pick, with the QB not resembling his Hall of Fame father-turned-coach in terms of athleticism. Sanders has received praise for his accuracy and toughness, but concerns about his upside have led to doubts about the former Division I-FCS recruit finding a top-10 landing spot.
Unless the Browns and Giants are conducting elaborate smokescreen operations, Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter (in some order) will go off the board after Cam Ward. The Raiders, Jets and Saints could be in play for Sanders, but rumors are pointing those franchises elsewhere. This could leave a door open for the Steelers, though their situation — one Rodgers’ indecision has illuminated — leaves them vulnerable to a team trading in front of them at No. 21 and snagging Sanders. Tomlin-Jalen Milroe connections had formed earlier this offseason, but Pauline adds the accomplished HC sees potential in Sanders.
It does not sound like a Sanders pick will be a must for Tomlin and Pittsburgh, but if he is still on the board at No. 21, this connection will be quite relevant. Pittsburgh is not known for moving up in Round 1, though the franchise has done so twice in the past six drafts (for Devin Bush and Broderick Jones). That would be a scenario to monitor if Sanders falls past the Saints at No. 9.
The Steelers would have options in Milroe, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough and Quinn Ewers. Though, Derek Carr‘s updated situation creates uncertainty regarding the Saints’ direction. New Orleans wants to leave this draft with a quarterback. The Steelers probably need to as well, in the event their Rodgers’ pursuit goes bust.
Dalton Risner Expects To Sign Soon; Vikings, Broncos, Bengals On Radar
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.