Key Takeaways:
– A potential reunion between Dalton Risner and the Minnesota Vikings is being suggested by ESPN’s Matt Bowen.
– Risner has expressed feelings of being undervalued by the Vikings and other NFL teams despite a solid performance.
– The offensive guard has been a consistent starter in his five-year NFL career, noteworthy for not missing games due to injury.
– Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line was ranked 12th in the league following the 2023 regular season, with Risner named among the weaker links.
Reunion Possibility for Dalton Risner and Vikings
Minnesota Vikings successfully landed a valuable contract last year signing offensive guard, Dalton Risner. ESPN’s Matt Bowen believes repeating such a savvy move would serve the Vikings well in 2024. Bowen crafted a list of top NFL free agents, pinpointing Risner as an ideal fit for the Vikings.
Risner, who notched a significant 95.5% pass block win rate and allowed just two sacks last season, could potentially close interior rush lanes, alongside his tough playstyle as a run-blocker, remarked Bowen. An effective tandem of Blake Brandel and Ed Ingram may wait in the wings for Minnesota.
Risner’s Stance on Feeling Undervalued
Despite his notable skills, Risner has voiced concerns about being undervalued by the Vikings. These opinions surfaced during an interview with WIBW, a CBS affiliate in Topeka, Kansas. Risner discussed his dependability and consistent performance on the field, highlighting the fact that he’s missed no games due to injury in his career so far.
“I’ve started 75 games in my five-year career. I’m someone that will show up to play consistently every Sunday,” said Risner. He emphasized his determination to maintain solid competition against strong opponents but confessed he felt undervalued.
Risner’s Consistent Five-Year NFL Career
Risner’s journey in the NFL started in 2019 as a Denver Broncos second-round pick. The Broncos let him walk into free agency after 62 starts, leading to a $3 million contract with the Vikings in the third week of the season. By the season’s fifth week, Risner secured the starting role, a position he held for the rest of the season and that marked his consistency across his career.
The Vikings’ offensive line ranked 12th in the league after the regular 2023 season according to Zoltán Buday from Pro Football Focus (PFF). While commending the Vikings’ offensive tackle duo, Buday pointed out Risner as a weaker link in the line.
In Conclusion
Risner’s potential return to the Vikings may be influenced by the franchise’s perception of his ability and worth. A return to the Vikings may be on the cards if they can position his value effectively in harness with their offensive strategy. Future decisions will reveal whether his value is indeed overlooked, or if the franchise can leverage Risner’s consistency and rugged playstyle to fortify their offensive line going forward.
So, as free agency unfolds, football fans and analysts will keep an eye on Risner’s journey, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming 2024 season.