Vikings reach deal with top FA OL Dalton Risner
The Minnesota Vikings have a major weakness on the offensive line. Kirk Cousins is still constantly under pressure and the run game has been able to get nothing going. Factor in Christian Darrisaw and Garrett Bradbury missing time with injuries and the unit has been a disaster. On Monday afternoon, the team took a step […]
The Minnesota Vikings have a major weakness on the offensive line. Kirk Cousins is still constantly under pressure and the run game has been able to get nothing going. Factor in Christian Darrisaw and Garrett Bradbury missing time with injuries and the unit has been a disaster.
On Monday afternoon, the team took a step towards fixing that problem. Per Ian Rapoport, the Vikings are signing OL Dalton Risner.
The Risner-Vikings connection has made sense and has been rumored for months. The veteran visited with the team in late July, but a deal was not reached at the time. However, after missing the first two games of the season, talks obviously accelerated.
The Vikings are dead-last in the NFL in rushing yards through two games, averaging just 34.5 yards per game. Alexander Mattison is often hit before crossing the line of scrimmage, having no space to make a big play.
Risner has traditionally played left guard in his career. The Vikings have Ezra Cleveland at left guard, so it's likely that Cleveland will move to the right side and Ed Ingram will be relegated to the bench. Through two games in 2023, Ingram has a 49.0 PFF grade.
Ingram's grade is even worse than his 2022 grade of 57.1. Cleveland has been better than Ingram, but not great, sporting a 63.7 PFF grade currently. Risner has finished with a PFF grade in the 60s in each of his four NFL seasons and earns higher marks in run blocking than pass protection.
Risner should also bring a level of toughness and veteran leadership to the unit. Other than right tackle Brian O'Neill, the unit has looked lost at times and has gotten completely bullied. The veteran Risner will be a difference maker.
Vikings reportedly visiting with experienced offensive lineman
The Vikings are bringing in a veteran with plenty of starting experience.
Featured image via © Mark J. Rebilas | 2021 Sep 19
