Unsigned ex-Vikings starter just got a shocking NFL endorsement

It's a little surprising sometimes how a player can sit in free agency for a long time when they have been a solid contributor for many years, especially if they are under 30 years old and are a former top-50 draft pick.

For the Minnesota Vikings, a major overhaul of the offensive line meant that previous starters would be looking for a role elsewhere, especially if they are a capable player like Dalton Risner, who is an asset anywhere he goes.

Former Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Dalton Risner just got a glowing endorsement from Jon Gruden.

As NFL teams attempt to fill out their rosters for the 2025 NFL season, players like former Minnesota Vikings guard Dalton Risner will be under the microscope as squads look for a good fit to join their roster.

Recently, Barstool Sports' Jon Gruden shared on X that he spotted Risner at the Tampa airport and made a post about it. In the post, he praised the offensive lineman's play at Kansas State and gave an endorsement that the free agent guard should be signed.

Gruden had the opportunity to coach the former Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman at the Senior Bowl leading up to the 2019 NFL Draft and has nothing but positive things to say about him.

A former coach and consultant, Gruden had a fun interaction with Risner at the airport as the two shared fond memories of that Senior Bowl. The former Vikings lineman mentioned that he doesn't know where he will play in 2025, but seems ready to go when the opportunity comes up.

Describing Risner as a "hard-nosed guard" in his video, Jon Gruden has a limited amount of time in the video to talk him up, but makes the most of the opportunity and a team in need of interior offensive line help should scoop him up.

Gruden says Risner can do it all, even mentioning that he could play center if needed. The offensive lineman agrees and the two chuckle in a friendly manner as the short video on X comes to a conclusion.

It should only be a matter of time before a team signs the former Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman. His resume speaks for itself and his potential to help a team in need of guard help should lend well to his cause to not be a free agent for much longer.