Former Broncos OL and Colorado native Dalton Risner lands new NFL gig

Former Denver Broncos offensive lineman Dalton Risner will once again be in the NFL this season.

It took some time, but Risner has landed with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Colorado native will play his seventh professional season.

Risner played four years with the Broncos after being a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He was with the Minnesota Vikings each of the last two seasons, appearing in 10 games in 2024 while making eight starts.

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

Dalton Risner, who calls Wiggins, Colo. home, suited up in Denver from 2019-2022, starting in 62 games.

But an ugly incident on Christmas Day against the Rams in 2022 probably hurt his chances of re-signing with the Broncos and then ultimately taking some time to find a new team. Risner shoved former backup QB Brett Rypien on the sideline as Denver melted down in a brutal 51-14 loss. The incompetent Nathaniel Hackett was fired as head coach the next day.

Still, Risner did a lot of amazing work off the field during his time in Colorado, and was a solid player on it. The last two offseasons made very little sense for one unfortunate shove, and this summer started to feel a little strange as well.

Good for Risner for getting another crack with the Bengals — and he’ll have an important job — protecting Joe Burrow who’s one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL.

At 30-years-old, Dalton Risner should have another year or two of football left in the tank.

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