The Cincinnati Bengals agreed to terms with Dalton Risner to complete arguably the best offensive line in the Joe Burrow era.
The contract details are not public but I assume it’s just a one-year deal. Risner is questionable to play in week one against Cleveland since he signed with the team eleven days before the season and he still has to learn the playbook. Risner will compete with Lucas Patrick and Jalen Rivers for the starting job. Rivers performed very well in the preseason and should be highly considered as the starter until Risner is ready.
Risner hasn’t allowed a sack in the past two years, playing in a total of 19 games in that span. He’s the type of lineman the Bengals need. After the Bengals announced their 53-man roster, many noticed how the Bengals only had eight offensive lineman so adding Risner gives them even more depth at the position.
Risner came in for a visit last week and according to multiple reports the workout went well and one report stated that Risner and the Bengals had been in contract talks for a couple weeks. Adding more speculation if he’d sign with the team.
Cincinnati also added a younger guard to the practice squad the same day they signed Risner. Cincinnati added former Jaguars guard Javon Foster, who is a very intriguing player. The 25-year-old played for Missouri in college and was the 114th pick in the 2024 NFL draft by Jacksonville. Foster was brought in for a top-30 visit during the pre-draft process. Cincinnati also signed former Rams safety Russ Yeast to the practice squad, which is an area of need for the Bengals.
The Bengals waived defensive tackle Eric Gregory to free up some space for the 30-year-old veteran and Gregory could join the Bengals practice squad if he clears waivers.
After a visit with the Seahawks and receiving interest from the Denver Broncos, Risner ultimately chose to protect Joe Burrow instead of Sam Darnold or Bo Nix.
If he doesn’t play in week one, the Bengals still have solid options at the position so whenever Risner is ready, expect to see him starting at right guard for the Bengals this season.
