Bengals Extend Guard Dalton Risner Ahead of Free Agency

The one-year, $5 million deal keeps a key offensive lineman in Cincinnati to protect QB Joe Burrow.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract extension with guard Dalton Risner just one week before the start of NFL free agency. Risner was a late addition to the Bengals roster in 2025 and started 11 games, providing solid play on the offensive line. The move to retain Risner is seen as an important step in protecting quarterback Joe Burrow and setting up the Bengals' offense for success in the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Keeping Risner in Cincinnati is a key move for the Bengals as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and build around star quarterback Joe Burrow. Risner's presence on the offensive line will help provide protection and stability for Burrow, who is entering a critical third season in the league.

The details

The Bengals and Risner agreed to a one-year, $5 million contract extension, per reports from NFL insider Jordan Schultz and ESPN's Adam Schefter. Risner was a late addition to the Bengals roster in 2025 but started 11 games and played well, fitting in seamlessly with the organization. His wife, Whitney Risner, broke the news of the extension on social media, saying "Per sources, Dalton Risner is signing back to the Cincinnati Bengals. And sources are me baby!"

  • The Bengals and Risner agreed to the contract extension on March 2, 2026.
  • NFL free agency is set to begin one week after the Risner extension, on March 9, 2026.

The players

Joe Burrow

The star quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, entering his third season in the NFL.

Dalton Risner

A guard who was a late addition to the Bengals roster in 2025 and started 11 games, providing solid play on the offensive line.

Whitney Risner

The wife of Dalton Risner, who broke the news of the contract extension on social media.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not really supposed to do this, but I've got some inside information and I feel like you guys can keep a secret. Per sources, Dalton Risner is signing back to the Cincinnati Bengals. And sources are me baby!”

— Whitney Risner (Instagram)

What’s next

The Bengals will look to make additional moves in free agency to further bolster their roster and provide more support for Joe Burrow and the offense ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Retaining Dalton Risner on the offensive line is an important move for the Bengals as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and build around their star quarterback Joe Burrow. Keeping key pieces of the offensive line in place will be crucial for Burrow's continued development and the team's success going forward.