In 2024, the Minnesota Vikings will debut a redesigned offensive line. Kirk Cousins, who left for Atlanta in free agency, is replaced by rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Aaron Jones was also signed by the Vikings to serve as the group’s newest starting running back. It looks like a well-known face will be joining the offensive line.
The Vikings have re-signed veteran guard Dalton Risner, per NFL insider Adam Schefter. He’s going back to the Vikings for a one-year deal.
The 28-year-old guard joined the Minnesota Timberwolves in September of last year, and he has since started 11 games and made 15 appearances overall.
Guards Blake Brandel and Ed Ingram should contend with Dalton Risner for a starting position on the Vikings. Tyrese Robinson, Michael Jurgens, and Henry Byrd are other depth players at guard. Risner is a capable bench warmer as well as a plug-and-play alternative. For a Vikings team that needs to make sure McCarthy escapes criticism during his rookie campaign, this deal seems like a wise one.
In the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Risner was chosen by the Denver Broncos. During his first four seasons with Denver, he started 62 games. Late in the 2022 season, Risner suffered a partial tear to his right elbow’s UCL. He then entered free agency and eventually found a home in Minnesota.
