Key Takeaways:
– Minnesota Vikings guard, Dalton Risner, may face an unsure future with the team despite signing a one-year contract in May.
– Risner’s notable pass-blocking performance has seemingly been overlooked with lack of interest from the league.
– Despite his experience and previous performance, Risner is working behind Blake Brandel in spring drills.
– Kevin O’Connell recognizes Risner’s value in creating competitive pressure in the offensive line group.
Risner’s Surprising Lack of Interest in the League
Minnesota Vikings guard, Dalton Risner, expressed shock during the first day of Vikings’ minicamps at the lack of interest from the league despite his strength as a pass-blocker. He had been hoping to secure a firm contract as a starting guard but ended up agreeing to a team-friendly, one-year deal with the Vikings in May.
The Vikings’ choice to re-engage Risner, who saw three grueling months of free agency, was greeted with mixed feelings by KSTP’s Darren Wolfson. Speaking on SKOR North’s “Mackey and Judd” podcast, Wolfson expressed confusion about the lack of interest shown towards Risner whom he described as a “really great pass-blocker.”
Examining the Contract: A Team-Friendly Deal or a Shaky Future?
The apparent uncertainty surrounding Risner’s future with the Vikings is further amplified by the terms of his contract. According to Wolfson, his $2.4 million contract with only a $600,000 guaranteed salary indicates that the team has much room to maneuver. If Risner is released, the Vikings are only accountable for $1.1 million, a figure that decreases to a mere $500,000 in the event of a trade.
Despite signalling that the deal was a take-it-or-leave-it offer from the Vikings, Risner chose to take it. This suggests that he’ll need to prove his worth during August, or face the risk of not making it to September.
Risner’s Challengers: Blake Brandel Taking the Stage
In contrast to Risner’s seemingly shaky position, Vikings’ offensive lineman Blake Brandel seems to be garnering favor. Following his $9.5 million three-year extension signed in March, Brandel is being touted as the favorite for the starting left guard position.
In the spring drills, Risner is working behind Brandel, a surprising turn given that Risner has far more experience and performance to his credit. However, Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell has encouraged Brandel to focus on the left guard position and highlighted the gains by not only Blake, but the five offensive linemen as well.
Risner’s Role: Creating Healthy Competition
While acknowledging Blake Brandel’s lead in the left guard position, O’Connell also shed light on the reason for bringing Risner back on board. He affirmed that Risner’s presence is central to creating a competitive situation on the line and pushing the offensive group.
Risner’s position thus remains crucial. Even if he doesn’t win the starting job, his role in driving depth and competitive tension in the offensive line gives the Vikings sufficient reason to retain him.
Therefore, while the new contract may seem a short-term sign of security for Risner, his extended stay with the Vikings ultimately hinges on his performance. Only time will tell if this starting guard position is within his reach or if his role continues to be that of a seasoned motivator for the team.