Official: Minnesota Vikings Sign Dalton Risner

It only took multiple injuries to their offensive line for it to finally happen but the Minnesota Vikings are signing free agent offensive guard, Dalton Risner. It’s a one-year deal worth $4 million.

The 28-year-old Risner visited TCO Performance Center this offseason but, to much disbelief, the Vikings were never willing to put pen to paper, until Monday. The deal was officially consummated and announced by the team on Tuesday morning.

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

HE'S HERE!! 😈

The #Vikings have officially signed @Dalton_Risner66. https://t.co/QF5fOBxB83 pic.twitter.com/YXO7hDKC3C

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 19, 2023

How much does Dalton Risner improve the Vikings offensive line?

In theory, Dalton Risner immediately makes the Minnesota Vikings a better team, given his career PFF pass block grade of ~72.0.

Some team insiders suggest the Vikings’ hesitancy to ink Risner had been based on an offseason injury that was yet to fully heal, so that’s very much worth keeping an eye on. I remain a bit skeptical, given how slow the Vikings were to move in on the former 4-year starter in Denver.

Related: Vikings Need to Hire PJ Fleck as Ball Security Consultant

For Risner, this clearly worked out. He had to stay patient but all available information shows a stubbornness to land with the Vikings. According to reports, Risner had several suitors opining for his services, before agreeing to terms with the Vikings today.

Risner has made it clear on social media, over the last couple of weeks, that he is ready to get back into the NFL trenches. This weekend, he’ll get his chance.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan