The Cincinnati Bengals are dialing up veteran help up front, hosting Dalton Risner on Tuesday as they shore up the offensive line before the 2025 season. Risner, a 30-year-old guard, played for Minnesota in 2024 and started 19 games over the last two seasons, after four years with Denver. Cincinnati wants Burrow protected as he builds on an MVP-caliber season in which the team still missed the playoffs. A Risner addition would bring stability, leadership, and a trusted pass-blocker to an OL that needs to keep Burrow upright in a crowded AFC. This move could also influence the pursuing game plan for Week 1 against the Browns and beyond, potentially elevating the entire offense with a veteran presence up front.

Risner’s background reads as durable and versatile: Broncos second-round pick in 2019, 81 career games, and a recent run of 25 appearances with Minnesota. If he signs, Cincinnati would bolster protection schemes and create a security blanket for Burrow, allowing more time on play-action and quicker reads in pass situations. The potential impact isn’t just about one star lineman; it’s about turning a mid-season upgrade into a stable, season-long foundation for a team aiming to reclaim the playoffs in 2025.