The Minnesota Vikings’ acquisition of guard Dalton Risner in the middle of the season was eagerly anticipated by fans, but it might turn out to be a short-lived move as his tenure with the team could be coming to an end. Jeremiah Sirles, a former Vikings offensive lineman turned NFL agent, believes that Risner’s performance in 2023 has earned him a significant contract, one that may surpass the Vikings’ financial constraints when he becomes a free agent in March. Speaking on the “Purple Insider” podcast on January 23, Sirles suggests that, despite Risner’s impressive play, the Vikings should allow him to depart due to more pressing needs on the roster.
All trench measures from PFF and ESPN pic.twitter.com/tb3qzphuX2
— Computer Cowboy (@benbbaldwin) January 9, 2024
Risner, at the age of 28, inked a one-year, $3 million deal in the middle of the season after the Vikings initially released him following a training camp visit in early August. Known for his proficiency in pass protection, Risner did not give up a sack in 485 pass-blocking snaps across 12 games.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) predicts that Risner could command a three-year, $24 million contract, with $15 million guaranteed and an average annual value of $8 million. His signing was a bold move that contributed to the NFL’s second-best composite pass-blocking grade, a particularly significant achievement given that it occurred just before Kirk Cousins’ season-ending Achilles injury.
Dalton Risner, Who Leaved His Hometown Broncos Last Year to Bet on Himself
After spending four seasons with his hometown team, the Denver Broncos, Risner opted to test the waters of free agency, standing firm on not accepting any deal below his desired price. This stance caused Risner to hesitate in free agency, despite his initial visit with the Vikings on August 1, serving as a wake-up call for starting guards Ed Ingram and Ezra Cleveland.
Even after Risner’s signing, he didn’t secure a starting position with the Vikings until Cleveland suffered an injury before a Week 7 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. In that game, Risner and the rest of the offensive line effectively protected the quarterback, as Cousins completed 35-of-45 passes (77.8%) for 378 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception in a 22-17 victory without conceding a sack.
Two weeks later, the Vikings traded Cleveland, who was in the final year of his rookie deal, to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a sixth-round pick at the trade deadline.
While Minnesota likely didn’t plan on re-signing Cleveland, a 2020 second-round pick, the team now faces uncertainties in the interior offensive line once again this offseason. Risner, in his prime, seems poised to bet on himself in free agency once more, aiming to secure a lucrative contract.
Vikings Offensive Line Competition Ahead
The Vikings have solidified their offensive line by securing Brian O’Neill at right tackle and Christian Darrisaw at left tackle, both serving as consistent anchors in their respective positions. Despite being one of the top teams in pass protection, the Vikings faced challenges for the second consecutive year in establishing dominance in the running game. The interior offensive line, particularly Ingram in his second season and Garrett Bradbury on a new contract, needs improvement.
While there are no imminent plans to cut either player, the Vikings lack the resources for a complete overhaul of the offensive line. Nonetheless, it would be wise for the team to foster competition on the interior line. This can be achieved by introducing a mix of experienced players and Day 2 draft picks with potential for development. These additions could provide depth in the current season while also positioning themselves as strong contenders to challenge Ingram and Bradbury in the years to come.
