The Denver Broncos used a second-round pick on Kansas State offensive lineman Dalton Risner in the 2019 NFL Draft. It was a popular pick by the team due to Risner growing up and going to high school in Colorado.
After four seasons with the team, the Broncos chose not to pursue a new deal with Risner after his rookie contract expired. It was a controversial move by the team as he was a fan favorite, but many Broncos fans felt it was warranted due to Risner’s lackluster level of play.
He then went to the Minnesota Vikings where he started 19 games over the last two seasons for them. He didn’t allow a single sack as a member of the team. Yet again, Risner, who just turned 30 years old, was still looking for a new team this offseason, biding his time and waiting for the right situation.
That situation presented itself on Wednesday when he signed a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.
WHO DEY NATION! https://t.co/JcnsYJkoxj
— Dalton Risner (@Dalton_Risner66) August 27, 2025
In Cincinnati, he will have a chance to come in and compete for a spot in the starting lineup. The Bengals used a third-round pick on Georgia’s Dylan Fairchild, but Risner could claim the other starting guard spot ahead of either Lucas Patrick or Cody Ford, where he would be charged with keeping Joe Burrow upright and helping power the Bengals’ rushing attack.
Risner, born in Wiggins, Colorado, will have a chance to come back to Denver as the Broncos and Bengals are scheduled to meet in Week 4 on Monday Night Football. It would be his second return to Empower Field since leaving the team. Risner was part of the Vikings when Minnesota came to Denver in November 2023, a game that resulted in a 21-20 Broncos win.
READ: Denver Broncos roster cuts tracker
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