Key Takeaways:
– Minnesota Vikings guard, Dalton Risner, chose to take a low-cost team-friendly deal, despite a lacklustre free agency response.
– Risner’s decision to re-sign with the Vikings instigated from his attachment to the team and the desire to return to play before September.
– Despite strong pass-blocking creds, Risner is currently working with the Vikings’ second-team offensive line behind starters Ed Ingram and Blake Brandel.
– The lack of interest Dalton Risner garnered during free agency remains a puzzling question.
– Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell has given Blake Brandel the nod as the starting left guard over Risner.
Dalton Risner Returns to Minnesota Vikings in a Discounted Deal
Minnesota Vikings guard Dalton Risner had a patient strategy during his free agency period. Despite having a successful stint with the Vikings last season, the free agency market didn’t reflect the demand he had anticipated. After almost three months of near silence, the 28-year-old signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract with the Vikings in May. He displayed his loyalty to the team, opting for a less cost-intensive deal over an extended waiting period.
“It was frustrating, especially considering what I’ve accomplished. But I am proud and happy to be a Viking,” stated Risner during the Vikings minicamp in early June. He highlighted his love for the organization and the respect they have shown him, making it an easy decision to return.
Dalton’s Disappointing Free Agency Period
Risner had expressed his case for a full-fledged starting guard contract through social media posts ahead of his free agency. Yet, it took him almost two months to secure a deal. The lack of interest in a player who didn’t allow a single sack and surrendered only 30 pressures during the last season came off as surprising. His pass-blocking abilities helped him to secure the 22nd rank among the qualifying guards by Pro Football Focus.
However, despite having a track record of starting 73 games over five years, a fruitful career in Denver, and excellent health statistics, the predictions of his contract value fell flat. Projections estimated a deal worth around $5-$10 million per annum. Risner expressed his concerns on social media a day before his free agency, highlighting his accomplishments in the league to date.
Risner’s Run Blocking Abilities— A Weak Link?
Dalton Risner has consistently proved his worth as a reliable pass blocker, if not the run blocker. His past two years have seen him rank 67th and 61st in run blocking, which seems to have been a turn-off for many teams. His ability, or lack thereof, to get to the second level as a run-blocker remains one of his visible shortcomings.
Risner contently stated, “I knew the Vikings loved me as a player and a human being but I have to control what I can control. I’m here to help the football team, much like last year.”
Vikings Coach Hails Blake Brandel Over Risner
In the Vikings’ minicamp conducted recently, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell lauded Blake Brandel, stating Brandel to be ready to play multiple spots. Following a competitive spring, Brandel got the go-ahead as the Viking’s starting left guard, despite Risner’s recent arrival.
This shouldn’t undermine Risner’s skills, as coach O’Connell emphasized on creating a competitive environment around the left guard spot by bringing back Risner. “It’s early days, we’ve got camp and the competition is still ongoing. As a veteran player, Risner knows the drill – he came in great shape, ready to roll,” he remarked confidently.
As the summer rolls on, the left-guard battle promises to be a fierce one, with the newly re-signed Risner surely looking to reclaim his starting role.