The Vikings have signed free agent guard Dalton Risner.
The news was first broken by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, and seemingly confirmed by Risner on his social media accounts.
SKOL!!! 👀👀👀
— Dalton Risner (@Dalton_Risner66) September 18, 2023
According to the Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling, the Vikings will give Risner a one-year deal worth up to $4 million, or which $2.25 million is guaranteed.
Risner made a highly publicized visit to Vikings Training Camp in August but remained a free agent throughout the preseason into the first two weeks of the season.
Minnesota now adds a veteran guard to an offensive line that has struggled through the first two weeks of the season with interior pressure.
The #Vikings are signing FA G Dalton Risner, sources say. The former #Broncos starter — and one of the top free agents available— lends valuable experience to Minnesota’s line. pic.twitter.com/6hM8fgKYj7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 18, 2023
Risner, 28, was a second-round pick by the Broncos in the 2019 draft, starting 62 games in four years for Denver.
Through two weeks the Vikings have allowed pressure on 25.8% of drop backs, fifth highest in the league. Vikings quarterback leads the league in hits with 16, the next closest is Joe Burrow’s 8 QB hits.
The Vikings offensive line has been hit hard early in the season with injuries. Starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw was held out of the Week Two loss to Philadelphia due to an ankle injury he suffered in Week One.
Center Garrett Bradbury missed much of the season opener as well as the Week Two game due to a back injury. Head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Friday that backup tackle Oli Udoh suffered a season-ending quad injury in Philadelphia.
