After successfully recruiting a tight end earlier in the offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals just had another successful visit. While no deal is in place, signs are pointing towards Joe Burrow gaining extra protection.
The Minnesota Vikings released their veteran guard after just two seasons with the team. He began his career in Denver as the Broncos drafted him No. 41 overall in 2019. Since then, the 30-year-old has started 81 games in his career.
Dalton Risner Had a Successful Meeting With the Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati has a chance to add a 6’5” 308-pound guard for a relatively cheap asking price. The former Vikings player has made just over $13 million in his career, according to Over the Cap. He did not secure a new deal in Minnesota after earning just under $5M in his two years on the team.
One of Dalton Risner’s main reasons to leave Denver was a $1.25M guarantee in Minnesota. That money came in 2023 as he made just $600,000 in guaranteed money the next season. Regardless, his $1.25M guarantee was nearly more than he made in his entire rookie contract.
Jordan Schultz reported, “Free agent G Dalton Risner had a strong meeting and workout with the Bengals today, and the two sides plan to stay in touch, per sources. No deal in place as of now.”
Free agent G Dalton Risner had a strong meeting and workout with the #Bengals today, and the two sides plan to stay in touch, per sources.
No deal in place as of now. https://t.co/YOpmVaevRa pic.twitter.com/42Z3nzT7pT
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 19, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Guards are never going to earn as much as other key players in the NFL. Cincinnati is still figuring out what they are going to do with Trey Hendrickson, a man that could be traded at any moment. Should they move on from the NFL’s sack leader from last season, it would free up a significant amount of cap room in the near future.
Cap room is a headache in Cincy. With Burrow’s $275M deal, the team has put themself in a position where he isn’t able to defend himself. The team’s offensive line has been less than stellar which is one of the main reasons for Risner’s visit. Elsewhere, they gave Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins nearly $300M combined.
Joe Burrow Has Not Had Things Easy in Cincinnati
Burrow took a 17 yard sack in the team’s 31-17 win over the Washington Commanders. One of Zac Taylor’s main goals for the 2025 season was to avoid a slow start. His main course of attack was by playing his starters in the preseason. Thankfully, Burrow avoided an injury.
There’s still cause for concern as the two-time Comeback Player of the Year has been sacked 196 times in his five-year career. Keep in mind, he’s missed 13 games in that span. In total, Burrow has been averaged 2.84 times per game.
Dylan Fairchild is currently lined up at left guard for this Bengals offense. Lucas Patrick handles the right side as Ted Karras is the team’s center. Fairchild is a rookie but Patrick and Karras bring 19 combined years of experience.
Currently, the team’s backup left and right guard are both listed as questionable. Cordell Volson, left guard, has been dealing with a shoulder injury. Cody Ford, right guard, was kept out due to an undisclosed injury. If the Bengals are able to sign Risner, he would immediately find himself near the top of the depth chart.
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