Bengals Re-Sign Guard Dalton Risner Ahead of Free Agency

The veteran offensive lineman will stay in Cincinnati on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals have re-signed veteran offensive guard Dalton Risner to a one-year contract worth up to $5 million, keeping him off the free agent market. Risner, who has played for the Vikings and Bengals over the past few seasons, started 9 of 14 games for Cincinnati in 2024 and was a solid pass blocker.

Why it matters

Retaining Risner is an important move for the Bengals as they look to continue building around quarterback Joe Burrow. Risner has been a reliable starter at guard and his return provides stability and experience to Cincinnati's offensive line.

The details

Risner signed the new deal on Monday, avoiding free agency. He ranked 36th in pass block win rate among guards last season, the highest mark of any Bengals player since Zac Taylor became head coach in 2019. While his run blocking has been inconsistent, Risner has been a solid contributor in pass protection.

  • Risner signed with the Bengals in March 2025, just before the start of free agency.

The players

Dalton Risner

A veteran offensive guard who has played for the Vikings and Bengals over the past few seasons.

Joe Burrow

The starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Zac Taylor

The head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals since 2019.

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What they’re saying

“The Cincinnati Bengals retained one of their best offensive linemen ahead of the start of free agency, signing right guard Dalton Risner to a one-year deal on Monday. The deal is worth up to $5 million, agents Drew Rosenhaus and Shawn O'Dare told ESPN's Adam Schefter.”

— Ben Baby, Bengals reporter (ESPN)

“This is where I want to be. My offensive line coach, Scott Peters, and Mike McCarthy. I want to play next to Amarius Mims and Ted Karras, because who wouldn't? I want to play for Zac Taylor. I want to play for Dan Pitcher. I want to play for this organization. I want to be a Cincinnati Bengal. I want to block for Joe Burrow. I want to block for Chase Brown. I want to block for Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase.”

— Dalton Risner (Media interview)

What’s next

The Bengals will look to build on their success from last season and make another deep playoff run with Risner anchoring the offensive line.

The takeaway

By re-signing Dalton Risner early in free agency, the Bengals have retained a key piece of their offensive line and demonstrated their commitment to keeping their core group together to support quarterback Joe Burrow's development.