The Houston Texans invested heavily in their trenches this offseason, specifically along the offensive line. However, after C.J. Stroud finished second in sacks taken during the regular season, an addition like Dalton Risner could still make sense.
Risner spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He originally entered the league as a second-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2019.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox listed Risner among the “best” players still available.
“Surprisingly, Risner remains unsigned in the late offseason once again. It’s surprising because Risner has been a fairly solid starter throughout his career. Though he left a little something to be desired as a run blocker last season, he remained one of the NFL’s better pass protectors,” Knox wrote on July 19. “Risner should interest pass-heavy teams.
“The Houston Texans could and should consider taking a look at the 30-year-old. Houston has thrown several darts at its new-look offensive line and, even with just $11 million in cap space remaining, could afford to throw another by signing Risner.”
Risner drew praise from former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, who called him a “beast” and urged teams to sign the former Kansas State Wildcat.
Knox called the Texans a “logical landing spot” for Risner, who started eight of the 10 games he played in with the Vikings in 2024. Moreover, he has logged 81 starts in 87 total appearances.
Whether or not Risner would fit what the Texans want to do is unclear, though.
Dalton Risner a Scheme-Specific Fit
GettyDalton Risner #68 and Nick Mullens #12 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrate against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Texans tied for the 10th-most passing attempts in the league last season. Even if Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans plans on leaning on the run game more in 2025, adding Risner would further hedge against failure in front of Stroud.
The Texans added four-time Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb to a group featuring two-time Pro Bowler Joe Mixon this offseason, underscoring their desire to run the ball more in 2025.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell notably cited run blocking as a reason for adding Risner.
Pro Football Focus gave Risner the second-highest offensive grade of his career (68.1) for his 2024 season. He posted a career-best pass blocking grade (76.1). His run-blocking grade (58.8) was still below average, but it was also the third-best mark of his career and best since 2021.
Risner is coming off a one-year, $2.4 million contract with the Vikings, and he has earned $13.4 million in his career.
Texans Have No Need to Rush for Dalton Risner
GettyAireontae Ersery OL#13 of Minnesota goes through a drill during the 2025 NFL Draft Combine
Risner said that the Vikings had shown interest in him earlier this offseason, but that was before the draft, which is why his fit in Houston with the Texans is also murky at best.
The Texans acquired Risner’s Vikings teammate, right guard Ed Ingram, in a trade with Minnesota this offseason. They signed left guard Laken Tomlinson and veteran tackles Cam Robinson (Risner’s Vikings teammate in 2024) and Trent Brown in free agency.
The Texans drafted offensive lineman Aireonte Ersery in the second round this year, too.
Risner’s odds of landing with the Texans appear slimmer than some of his other options. He has suggested some are on the table.
That is before considering incumbent players like Blake Fisher and Tytus Howard, both of whom could compete for starting spots. Risner has even said he could compete at center. Jarrett Patterson and Juice Scruggs are expected to do battle with newcomer Jake Andrews there.
Perhaps the uncertainty around the Texans’ offensive line can work in Risner’s favor.
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