Dalton Risner signed a one-year, 1.337 million deal with a 167,500 signing bonus to join Cincinnati, a classic value pick given his 67.0 overall PFF grade on 537 snaps last season and a 76.2 pass-blocking mark. No sacks allowed in 1,282 total snaps across the last two seasons, and 2024 penalties were nil. Risner brings versatility at guard and a clear path to win the Bengals’ right guard job as Cincinnati rebuilds interior line with veterans moving on.

The guard situation in Cincinnati has been a major weakness, with Cordell Volson and Alex Cappa producing inconsistent results. Lucas Patrick is nursing a calf injury, and Risner stepped in with one pressure on 24 pass-blocking snaps in Week 1. Zac Taylor emphasized Risner’s experience, durability, and readiness, setting up a competitive battle with Dylan Fairchild and Patrick to protect Joe Burrow and stabilize the run game.

These changes frame Risner as a strategic upgrade rather than a rental, pointing to more reliable right-side protection for Burrow and potentially improved pocket integrity. If Risner locks in, fantasy managers should monitor the Bengals’ line rotations closely, as better pass protection often translates to longer throws and steadier fantasy outputs for Burrow and his pass-catchers.