Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) reacts with tight end Josh Oliver (84) and guard Dalton Risner (66) after a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
For a little while, it looked like Minnesota was moving on from Dalton Risner.
The left guard got added during the 2023 season and became a starter after Ezra Cleveland got hurt. In fact, Minnesota was so content with the play offered by Mr. Risner that Cleveland got shipped out, sent southward to become a Jaguar before the NFL trade deadline.
Nov 1, 2020; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) celebrates with offensive tackle Ezra Cleveland (72) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Many assumed that the relationship would continue without a hitch. Risner is a starting-level player and the Vikings had a clear need at left guard with Cleveland no longer around. Match made in Valhalla, right?
Well, free agency arrived and things moved very slowly for Mr. Risner. He waited, waited a bit more, and then finally agreed to a modest deal with the Vikings. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah re-acquired Risner for just a single season and $2,410,000. Look under the hood and only $1,100,000 exists as guaranteed money.
Dalton Risner and The Vikings’ Final Roster
Cutting Dalton Risner almost certainly won’t be happening. What about a trade?
As many have pointed out, there isn’t a ton in the war chest for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in the 2025 NFL Draft. Last year, Vederian Lowe got moved out for a 6th. Any chance there’s a team that would welcome Risner into the mix for a Day 3 pick?
Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Brandon Powell (4) celebrates after a touchdown with guard Dalton Risner (66) against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Without question, Risner is a starting-level player in the NFL.
The 6’5″, 312-pound lineman played 746 snaps for Minnesota’s offense. Along the way, Risner committed a trio of penalties. However, he didn’t allow a single sack, a testament to his pass blocking and an effort that doesn’t stop until the whistle. Genuinely, Risner plays with great energy, finishing off the play on an every-down basis.
He did, however, get dinged with allowing 11 hits and 30 pressures. So, not a perfect report card within Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell speaks during a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
One still wonders, though, about how the various puzzle pieces fit.
Blake Brandel got brought back for a trio of seasons at $9.5 million. Adofo-Mensah isn’t particularly keen about handing out major money to interior linemen — a detail that has proven stubbornly true across the OL and DL — so the Brandel investment is notable.
Plus, consider what Wes Phillips had to say about Mr. Brandel: “It’s been very encouraging so far with him stepping into that starting spot on the left there. And I think it’ll only grow from there. The more experience, the more reps he gets. He’s been a guy that anytime he’s been put in a game, at several positions, has come through for us. And we haven’t forgotten that, and I think he’s earned this opportunity.”
Doesn’t sound like a backup, does it?
Nov 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) and offensive tackle Blake Brandel (64) and teammates react during the game against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
On the other side is Ed Ingram, someone who did take a step forward as a sophomore. He got scooped up in Round 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft and has been the most consistent starter out of those ten players. The Vikings have stuck with Ingram through thick and thin, so it would be at least somewhat notable if he gets demoted.
Finally, consider some of the broader depth. Dan Feeney got added in free agency and then Michael Jurgens — “The Technician” — got scooped up in the 7th of the 2024 NFL Draft. Any chance they prove to be perfectly adequate (and versatile) depth in training camp/preseason?
Dalton Risner has a great shot to make the roster. Quite possibly, he’s their best interior lineman and looks like a good bet to become the LG1, just like last season. The tepid contract commitment, though, alongside some of the broader context suggests that Risner’s spot isn’t an ironclad certainty.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference, PFF, and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.
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Publish date : 2024-07-11 09:35:00
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