VIKINGS
JUST IN: Vikings star pushing for return of teammate despite stance on free agency
Dalton Risner, a guard for the Minnesota Vikings, took his time throughout the offseason to leave his options open before joining the team in September.
With his return to free agency, there are some doubts about his future. On social media, he shared a direct message. However, if Christian Darrisaw, a left tackle and teammate, has his way, Risner will be lining up next to him in 2024 exactly like he did this season.
On his Instagram, Darrisaw posted a photo of the two striking poses for a play.
The previous season, the Vikings acquired Risner, 28, in free agency for a low cost. They agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with the former Denver Broncos No. 41 overall selection (2019).
According to Spotrac, his contract’s total worth was ranked 78th.
“In case anyone was curious… In my five years in the league, I’ve started 73 games and have only missed four because of injuries. gaining the starting position in three separate coaching staffs… I only want a starting guard contract, nothing more, Risner wrote on X, the former Twitter, on March 12.
Dalton Risner Had Down Year for Vikings Ahead of Free Agency
Arguably, Risner just finished his worst professional season. According to Pro Football Reference, he started the fewest games of his career and saw the fewest offensive snaps for his squad.
According to Pro Football Focus, he ended the season with the lowest grade of his career (57.1), placing him as the 71st guard in the NFL.
However, the Vikings were 10th in run blocking and third in pass blocking.
The Vikings may also find value in maintaining consistency and improving those rankings with Aaron Jones leading the way in a possible overhaul of the running game. Given his history, it appears that head coach Kevin O’Connell prefers to sling the ball during passing plays.
But with Sam Darnold taking Kirk Cousins’ place in the Atlanta Falcons, a temporary change in mindset is necessary.
Running the ball makes sense, even if the Vikings make a big trade up in the draft to acquire a quarterback.
Christian Darrisaw’s Contract Looms Large
Even if free agency is still a ways off, the Vikings also need to think about Darrisaw’s deal. Darrisaw, the former No. 23 overall pick in 2021, played in a career-high 15 games in the previous campaign. With the second-best grade of his career, he left.
Additionally, he is about to enter the last year of a four-year, $13.3 million contract.
After the upcoming season, the Vikings have the option to pick up his $16 million fifth-year contract. Additionally, they are able to use the franchise tag three times before having to choose a long-term choice.
However, the relationships amongst players, their representation, and organizations have gotten worse over a far shorter period of time. The Vikings have changed a great deal already. The departure of Cousins has implications for Justin Jefferson’s future as he approaches the last year of his contract.
Reintroducing Risner might be a less expensive way to preserve team unity.
According to PFF, Risner will sign a deal comparable to that of New York Jets center Connor McGovern, who committed to a one-year, $1.9 million deal in 2023. How receptive Risner is to that is unknown.
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