Minnesota Vikings left guard Dalton Risner has been impressive in his first year with the team. According to Pro Football Focus, Risner has not allowed a sack on 412 pass-blocking snaps for the Vikings this season.
Risner joined the team via free agency after Minnesota lacked depth along the offensive line with linemen Chris Reed and Oli Udoh out due to injury. His relationship with offensive line coach Chris Kuper was a likely significant reason for the signing. Brought in as a backup behind Ezra Cleveland, Risner was to be a reinforcement and allow Blake Brandel to move back to the reserve tackle position.
After Cleveland suffered a foot injury two weeks before the trade deadline, Risner stepped in and never had to give the job back. Cleveland was shipped off to Jacksonville, and Risner stepped in and became more than just a body at the guard position. He became an asset on an improved offensive line.
While his status as a Viking in 2024 is up in the air, there is no doubt that Risner made himself some money in the upcoming off-season.
