Forgotten Vikings castoff suddenly being tied to an NFC contender

It's always nice when the Minnesota Vikings can bring in a free agent who can be a contributor. The team got that in the last two seasons when they signed former Denver Broncos offensive lineman Dalton Risner.

Risner played in 25 games for the Vikings in 2023 and 2024, starting 19 of those contests and playing a total of 1,283 offensive snaps and 106 special teams snaps. However, the 29-year-old guard is currently a free agent.

Former Minnesota Vikings guard Dalton Risner linked to NFC contender

Recently, Pro Football Focus assembled a list with one last offseason move each NFC team could make to improve their roster. Their recommendation that the Minnesota Vikings improve their cornerback depth by going after Asante Samuel Jr. is solid, but another suggested move was eye-catching.

For the San Francisco 49ers, their idea is to add help on the interior of the offensive line. For that, PFF suggested signing former Vikings guard Dalton Risner.

"Dalton Risner would profile as a positive addition, given his experience and grading profile as a pass blocker, having earned a 76.1 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2024."

Pro Football Focus

Considering he's a solid blocker, it's a bit surprising that he is still a free agent. Now that the draft is over and free agency is settling down, teams will start to look to fill out their roster, and it shouldn't be too long before he finds a new home.

"If you’re going to hand your quarterback a lucrative contract, it would also be wise to shore up the protection in front of him. While the 49ers have taken a few stabs at solidifying the interior this offseason, more veteran depth would go a long way."

Pro Football Focus

Brock Purdy still hasn't signed an extension with the 49ers, but it is anticipated that it will happen soon. Since he is likely to get a hefty salary, it would make sense to give him the best possible protection for the 2025 NFL season.

Dalton Risner is entering his seventh season in the league and could provide some help on San Francisco's offensive line. Even if he is a short-term option for the 49ers, it will buy them time until they can find something more long-term, even though Risner is under 30 years old.

The former Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman shouldn't be without a team for much longer. Whether it is the 49ers or another team, someone will add Dalton Risner this season.