Cincinnati Bengals: Land Talented Pass Protector for 2025

The Cincinnati Bengals aim to keep Joe Burrow upright in 2025 after struggling to do so in his first five seasons. The offensive line is starting to take shape, but the right guard position remains the biggest question mark and the weakest link. With a week and a half until Week 1, the Bengals must decide whether to start 32-year-old Lucas Patrick, versatile but inconsistent Cody Ford, or rookie tackle Jalen Rivers against the Cleveland Browns.

Cincinnati Bengals visited with a top interior offensive lineman in August

The Bengals hosted Dalton Risner for a visit a week ago, but he left Cincinnati without a deal and also received interest from the Seattle Seahawks. He spent the last two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, appearing in 26 total games with 20 starts, including 11 games and nine starts at right guard in 2024. Risner is primarily known for his pass-blocking abilities, having allowed only one sack over the past two seasons; however, he isn’t the greatest run blocker.

Cincinnati Bengals land talented pass protector for 2025

According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, the Bengals have signed Dalton Risner to a contract. The 30-year-old interior offensive lineman is expected to take over at right guard, the weakest position on the offensive line. Finally, this recent move should give Joe Burrow more time to throw as the offensive line starts to take shape.

Sources: The #Bengals are signing former #Vikings G Dalton Risner.

Risner has allowed zero sacks over the last two regular seasons, per PFF. A proven and respected veteran lands in Cincinnati to help protect Joe Burrow. https://t.co/YOpmVadY1C pic.twitter.com/uImmOhawKK

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 27, 2025

Fans react to the news

OUR OL IS FINALLY ELITE pic.twitter.com/2LjpWdgxmT

— Not Jake 🥷🏻 (@CincyHub) August 27, 2025

WHAT AN OFFSEASON!!!!!

— BengalsBeef (@BengalsBeef) August 27, 2025

OL IS HERE

— hanna🐅 (@StripesAllDey) August 27, 2025

Huge.

— Lg (@LoganIsMySlogan) August 27, 2025

Adding a veteran like Risner is huge—Joe just got a serious upgrade up front 👏

— Itzsammy_dami (@Itzsammy_dami1) August 27, 2025

Great news… MIGHT BE the best OL in the #9 era

— BOBBY (@TheBobbyLama) August 27, 2025

For More Great Gridiron Heroics Content:

Follow me on X @JacksonLoschko, and follow us @GridironHeroics for more great content. If you have any questions, you can message me on LinkedIn. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in NFL and College Football, click here.

Thank you for reading my articles. It is greatly appreciated.