The Cincinnati Bengals have spent the last several years trying to turn their offensive line from a liability into a strength.
On Thursday, they made another move toward that goal, signing veteran guard Dalton Risner — and the immediate reaction inside the locker room says plenty about how much he’s already respected.
Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. didn’t hold back when asked about Risner’s arrival.
“He’s going to help us a ton,” Brown said. “Everybody knows what he’s done in the league. Honestly, even in college. So I’m a little familiar with his game. He’s been that guy.”
For a team that has watched Joe Burrow take far too many hits in recent years, the late offseason roster shift is like music to Bengals fans’ ears.
Bengals Add Experience Up Front
Risner was a second-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2019 and has since logged 81 career starts between Denver and Minnesota Vikings. At just 30 years old, he gives Cincinnati the kind of veteran presence up front that has been lacking for most of the Burrow era.
The Bengals’ offensive line room is suddenly one of the most experienced in the NFL. Three players are over 30. Five linemen are entering at least their seventh year in the league.
“He looks like he’s in great shape,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor told reporters Thursday, per ESPN’s Ben Baby. “He has a great mindset. We’ll get him out there, put the pads on, let him go through some stuff and see where he’s at next week.”
A Familiar Face for Noah Fant
Risner’s signing also brought a smile to tight end Noah Fant, who was drafted the same year by Denver and developed a close friendship with the guard.
Fant also admitted he’s just happy to reunite with an old friend.
“It’s a great fit for him here. I’m excited for him to be here,” Fant said. “Obviously, we’re going to throw the ball. Dalton’s really strong on pass protection. He has been his whole career. He can run block well, too. But having him in the fold, we’ll be able to mix it up. His athleticism is underrated, and he makes our team better.”
The Bengals still haven’t named a starter at right guard, with Cody Ford and Lucas Patrick splitting reps during camp. With Cordell Volson lost to a season-ending shoulder injury, Risner immediately vaults into that mix.
“Winning football,” Risner said. The players on their roster. Joe Burrow, Orlando Brown, Tee Higgins. Ja’Marr Chase. All these guys are great players. There are a lot of names I’m forgetting. Trey Hendrickson. The way they carry themselves is at an elite level. Humble. And good dudes.”
Fans hope that adding Risner now pays dividends in December and January. He’s not only a proven blocker, but also another steady voice in one of the most veteran offensive line rooms Cincinnati has had in decades.
With Burrow returning from a season defined by frustration and injuries, the Bengals just added another piece of protection — and perhaps another missing ingredient in their championship chase.
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