On March 2, the Cincinnati Bengals officially announced the signing of right guard Dalton Risner to a one-year contract, marking his return to the team. This extension comes after Risner joined the Bengals as a free agent last season, highlighting the club’s intent to maintain continuity on their offensive line.
Details of Risner’s Contract and Career Overview
Risner’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed that this latest deal could be worth up to $5 million. The 30-year-old offensive lineman initially joined Cincinnati on a one-year contract valued at $1.3 million. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 312 pounds, Risner has appeared in 101 games over seven NFL seasons, beginning his career with the Denver Broncos, where he spent his first four years.
Performance Rankings and Recent Play
Throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Risner played for the Minnesota Vikings. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked No. 23 among guards who took at least half of their team’s snaps last season. His specific rankings included No. 16 as a pass blocker and No. 19 as a run blocker. In his last full season in 2023, Risner was positioned No. 41 among qualifying guards, demonstrating solid though not elite performance.
Implications for the Bengals’ Offensive Line in 2026
Risner’s return means the Bengals plan to bring back their entire starting offensive line for the 2026 season. Right tackle Amarius Mims is under contract through 2027, with a team option extending into 2028. The Bengals also secured center Ted Karras with a one-year extension for 2026 and have left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. signed through that year. Additionally, third-round pick Dylan Fairchild, who plays left guard, is locked in under contract through 2028, further stabilizing the unit.
Looking Ahead for Cincinnati
This move to retain Risner and the core offensive line highlights Cincinnati’s focus on maintaining a consistent and experienced front to support both their running and passing game. With the offensive line largely intact, the Bengals are positioned to build on last season’s foundations as they prepare for 2026 and beyond, hoping to leverage this stability into on-field success.
“The deal is worth up to $5 million.” ?Drew Rosenhaus, Agent
