The guard market has exploded in free agency, with top players like Robert Hunt signing $100 million deals. Despite the rise in positional value, free agent Dalton Risner is still trying to find a new home. A second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Kansas State product has been a reliable starter ever since entering the league. Last year with the Minnesota Vikings, the veteran played in 15 games while finishing the season with a 57.1 grade, the 49th-best mark out of 79 eligible players.
Dalton Risner is not a Hall of Famer in the making, but the free agent is a starting-caliber guard. However, for the second straight year, the offensive lineman is struggling to draw any interest on the open market. Fortunately, that could come to an end soon.
Dan Pizzuta of The 33rd Team recently released an article detailing the best team fits for the top remaining free agents. In the piece, the NFL analyst believes that the Baltimore Ravens should bring in Risner to help replace their departed free agents.
Free Agent Dalton Risner Linked to Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens need guard help in the worst way. The team had the best all-around roster in the NFL last year, but they’ll struggle to repeat that success after losing so much talent to the open market. Starting guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson both left for greener pastures, and Dalton Risner could be the perfect free agent to replace one of them.
While Risner is probably a downgrade on both players, he can do a serviceable job keeping Lamar Jackson upright and paving run lanes for Derrick Henry. Both players are among the best at their positions, so they won’t need a superstar guard to do all the work for them. All they need is someone who won’t actively ruin the play, and Dalton Risner is a good cost-effective free agent signing who can play up to that level.
The Ravens might be the only team in on free agent Dalton Risner, but they shouldn’t be. Several teams across the league are struggling to find adequate offensive linemen, and the former second-round pick should have multiple suitors. Even if he won’t break the bank, the following teams could compete for Risner’s services.
Other Possible Destinations
Miami Dolphins
Much like the Ravens, the cash-strapped Miami Dolphins lost several key playmakers in free agency. With Robert Hunt gone and the injured Connor Williams unlikely to return, somebody needs to secure the interior offensive line. Dalton Risner is a great cost-effective free agent and should be able to help this team take the divisional crown in a wide-open AFC East.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks will look different with Mike Macdonald replacing Pete Carroll on the sidelines. However, if they want to improve from the Carroll years, they’ll need to fix their guard position. The team lost Damien Lewis to the Carolina Panthers and doesn’t appear interested in re-signing Phil Haynes, so somebody will have to start. With only $3.16 million in cap space, Dalton Risner might be the best free agent in their price range.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Whether it’s Russell Wilson or Justin Fields under center, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to improve their interior offensive line. Both quarterbacks are notorious for taking too many sacks, and Pittsburgh’s weak offensive line isn’t going to help that issue. Both quarterbacks are who they are at this point in their respective careers, so Pittsburgh might as well accept that fact and sign Dalton Risner as a free agent to try and minimize pressure coming from inside.
New Orleans Saints
The entire New Orleans Saints offensive line could use some help. While their worrisome tackle situation takes most of the headlines, they could still use a starting-caliber guard, especially with Andrus Peat still unsigned. The Saints used most of their cap space signing Chase Young, so Dalton Risner is probably the most cost-effective free agent available.
Detroit Lions
There is a chance that Dalton Risner will have to sign as a backup free agent. If that happens, the Detroit Lions are the best possible fit. The team signed Kevin Zeitler to replace the departed Jonah Jackson, but Zeitler isn’t getting any younger. While he played well last year, the age cliff comes fast, and Detroit could use a Plan B in the event Zeitler starts to slow down.
Main Photo: Jeffrey Baker – USA Today Sports
