Giants: ESPN analyst predicts New York to sign Dalton Risner
The New York Giants are set at the three most important positions on the offensive line, following the selection of center John Michael Schmitz in round two of last month's draft. That provides three youthful and promising players with Evan Neal and Andrew Thomas holding down the tackle spots. But guard, well that leaves a […]
The New York Giants are set at the three most important positions on the offensive line, following the selection of center John Michael Schmitz in round two of last month's draft.
That provides three youthful and promising players with Evan Neal and Andrew Thomas holding down the tackle spots. But guard, well that leaves a lot to be desired.
According to Bill Barnwell of ESPN, that can still change though, with the addition of former Denver lineman, Dalton Risner. Let's see how:
While the New York Giants don't have a ton of cap space after re-signing Daniel Jones, extending Dexter Lawrence and franchising Saquon Barkley, they should have enough room to get creative with voidable years if they want to sign a player to a one-year deal. And Risner should be that player, said Barnwell. The Giants rotated Nick Gates and Ben Bredeson at left guard last year, but Gates left for the Commanders in free agency. Joshua Ezeudu — a 2022 third-rounder — suffered a neck injury last November, leaving the Giants in a vulnerable position at left guard in 2023.
Risner started 62 games over four seasons with the Broncos, and while the 2019 second-round pick wasn't a superstar, he was expected to land a multiyear deal for starter money somewhere in free agency, added Barnwell. Instead, the Broncos signed Ben Powers to replace Risner, who hasn't found a market. Risner missed the season finale against the Chiefs with a strained UCL in his elbow, but that injury wouldn't have prevented the 27-year-old from finding a new team.
Instead, he appears to be looking at a limited market of teams who need meaningful help at guard. A one-year deal with the Giants in the $5 million range would make sense for both parties; Brian Daboll's team would get a veteran protecting Jones and security if Ezeudu struggles to return, while Risner would play in a well-regarded offense and earn a shot at a long-term deal after 2023, either with the Giants or elsewhere, noted Barnwell.
I would be a huge fan of this move. While Risner has had his injury issues, he has been a staunch run blocker and above-average pass protector, always finishing 15th or better in sacks allowed.
Mark Glowinski at right guard is solid, but Ben Bredeson at left guard is cause for concern, considering his primary position was and probably still would be center if not for the addition of JMS.
That's where Risner slots in, filling the void at left guard and suddenly making a ragtag group from last year become an above-average or even underrated group in 2023. If Risner is willing to shave some off the top, this would be a no-brainer.
