Posted on Mar 02

Bengals re-sign RG Risner to one-year deal worth up to $5 million

Posted Mar 2, 2026

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed right guard Dalton Risner to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, solidifying their commitment to enhancing the offensive line.

Why it matters: The retention of Risner underscores the Bengals' focus on improving protection for quarterback Joe Burrow as they prepare for the upcoming season.

With Burrow's ability to stretch the field and execute plays in a spread offensive scheme, ensuring his safety is crucial for the team's success.
Risner's signing comes at a pivotal time as the NFL landscape shifts toward more aggressive defensive fronts.

What’s new: Risner, who started nine of his 14 appearances last season, ranked 36th in pass block win rate among guards, achieving an impressive 92.6%.

This mark stands out as the highest for any Bengals player since Zac Taylor took over as head coach in 2019.
His performance contributed to Cincinnati’s overall pass block win rate, which improved from 29th to 23rd in the league during the latter part of the season.

By the numbers: In the seven games that Risner started, the Bengals saw notable improvements in both protection and efficiency.

His presence on the line coincided with increased stability, allowing Burrow to make quicker decisions and utilize his array of weapons effectively.
The improvement in pass blocking can be seen as a strategic adjustment for the Bengals, who aim to complement their dynamic skill position players with reliable offensive line play.

Yes, but: While Risner's addition is positive, the Bengals must continue to address other areas on the offensive line.

Injuries have plagued the unit in recent years, and the depth behind the starters remains a critical concern.
Additionally, as teams adapt their defensive schemes, maintaining consistent performance across the line will be vital.

What to watch: The Bengals offensive line cohesion will be tested early in the season as they integrate Risner alongside other key linemen.

Training camp and preseason games will serve as significant indicators of how well Risner meshes with the current roster.
Observing how the coaching staff utilizes him within their schemes will provide insights into the team’s strategic direction.

The bottom line: Signing Dalton Risner is a step towards reinforcing the Bengals' offensive line, crucial for maximizing the potential of their high-powered offense.

As Cincinnati looks to build on its past success, the effectiveness of this move will ultimately depend on how well Risner adapts and contributes to the team's overall performance.

Bengals re-sign RG Risner to one-year deal worth up to $5 million

Alex Parker

Posted Mar 2, 2026

The Cincinnati Bengals have signed right guard Dalton Risner to a one-year deal worth up to $5 million, solidifying their commitment to enhancing the offensive line.

Why it matters: The retention of Risner underscores the Bengals' focus on improving protection for quarterback Joe Burrow as they prepare for the upcoming season.

With Burrow's ability to stretch the field and execute plays in a spread offensive scheme, ensuring his safety is crucial for the team's success.

Risner's signing comes at a pivotal time as the NFL landscape shifts toward more aggressive defensive fronts.

What’s new: Risner, who started nine of his 14 appearances last season, ranked 36th in pass block win rate among guards, achieving an impressive 92.6%.

This mark stands out as the highest for any Bengals player since Zac Taylor took over as head coach in 2019.

His performance contributed to Cincinnati’s overall pass block win rate, which improved from 29th to 23rd in the league during the latter part of the season.

By the numbers: In the seven games that Risner started, the Bengals saw notable improvements in both protection and efficiency.

His presence on the line coincided with increased stability, allowing Burrow to make quicker decisions and utilize his array of weapons effectively.

The improvement in pass blocking can be seen as a strategic adjustment for the Bengals, who aim to complement their dynamic skill position players with reliable offensive line play.

Yes, but: While Risner's addition is positive, the Bengals must continue to address other areas on the offensive line.

Injuries have plagued the unit in recent years, and the depth behind the starters remains a critical concern.

Additionally, as teams adapt their defensive schemes, maintaining consistent performance across the line will be vital.

What to watch: The Bengals offensive line cohesion will be tested early in the season as they integrate Risner alongside other key linemen.

Training camp and preseason games will serve as significant indicators of how well Risner meshes with the current roster.

Observing how the coaching staff utilizes him within their schemes will provide insights into the team’s strategic direction.

The bottom line: Signing Dalton Risner is a step towards reinforcing the Bengals' offensive line, crucial for maximizing the potential of their high-powered offense.

As Cincinnati looks to build on its past success, the effectiveness of this move will ultimately depend on how well Risner adapts and contributes to the team's overall performance.