Bengals Extend Dalton Risner, Solidifying Offensive Line for Joe Burrow

Cincinnati's $5 million deal with Risner marks the first time Burrow will have the same starting O-line for two straight seasons.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to a $5 million contract extension with offensive guard Dalton Risner, keeping the team's entire starting offensive line intact for the 2026 season. This will be the first time in quarterback Joe Burrow's career that he has had the same offensive line for two consecutive years, a remarkable feat given Burrow's history of injuries and the Bengals' past struggles with offensive line continuity.

Why it matters

Protecting Burrow, the Bengals' franchise quarterback, is of utmost importance after he has sustained multiple lengthy injuries in his career so far. Maintaining the same offensive line should provide much-needed stability and allow the unit to continue developing chemistry.

The details

The Bengals' starting offensive line in 2026 will feature Orlando Brown Jr. at left tackle, Dylan Fairchild at left guard, Ted Karras at center, Dalton Risner at right guard, and Amarius Mims at right tackle. This marks the first time since Burrow was drafted in 2020 that the Bengals will field the same starting offensive line in consecutive seasons.

  • Dalton Risner's $5 million contract extension was agreed to on March 2, 2026.
  • Joe Burrow will be entering his seventh NFL season in 2026.

The players

Joe Burrow

The Cincinnati Bengals' franchise quarterback, who has dealt with multiple injuries in his career so far.

Dalton Risner

The Bengals' starting right guard, who has now been extended on a $5 million deal to keep the team's offensive line intact for 2026.

Orlando Brown Jr.

The Bengals' starting left tackle.

Dylan Fairchild

The Bengals' starting left guard.

Ted Karras

The Bengals' starting center.

Amarius Mims

The Bengals' starting right tackle.

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What they’re saying

“The Bengals are poised to enter 2026 with all five of their main starting offensive lineman from 2025. That has never happened with Joe Burrow at QB.”

— Ari Meirov, Analyst, The 33rd Team (The 33rd Team)

What’s next

The Bengals will look to build on their offensive line continuity and keep Burrow healthy and protected as they aim to make another deep playoff run in 2026.

The takeaway

The Bengals' decision to extend Dalton Risner and retain their entire starting offensive line for 2026 is a significant milestone for the franchise and Joe Burrow's development. After years of inconsistency and injuries along the offensive line, this stability should pay dividends in keeping their star quarterback upright and the offense firing on all cylinders.