With depth on the offensive line being a concern for the Minnesota Vikings, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah may have a trick up his sleeve before the preseason kicks off. That's because the young GM is bringing in a veteran guard for a visit.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Vikings will be hosting fifth-year offensive guard Dalton Risner for a visit. Risner appeared in 62 games for the Broncos over the past four years, with 62 starts. Could Minnesota end up offering him a new deal before he leaves town?
Some OL help on the way? Source says that former #Broncos guard Dalton Risner is on his way to visit the #Vikings, potentially filling a need into training camp. Risner started 62 games over the last four years for Denver and is the top OL available.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 31, 2023
Vikings hosting Dalton Risner for a visit has fans excited
Risner was a second-round pick of the Broncos in 2019, starting all 16 games for Denver at left guard during his rookie campaign. The 6-5, 312-pounder is also quite versatile, as he also saw plenty of action lining up at right guard as well while with Denver.
Entering the new campaign, the Vikings are expected to start offensive guards Ezra Cleveland and Ed Ingram. Both were far from perfect during the 2022 campaign. If Risner were to sign with the Vikings, he would not only provide depth, but he could potentially earn a starting job too.
As Rapoport noted in his post, Risner is considered the top offensive lineman still out in free agency. There are several teams who could use a man of his size up front, which is why plenty of Minnesota supporters are hoping they can win the race to land him.
With it being so late in the offseason and the preseason getting started later this week with the Jets and Browns kicking things off, the Vikes could potentially ink Risner to a team-friendly deal. With his experience and versatility too, Risner could be a great addition for the Vikings at this point in the summer. Soon enough, we'll find out if the NFC North side can get things done with him.
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