The Cincinnati Bengals are taking advantage of this offseason to develop a better squad to be more competitive for next season. One of the reasons behind this restructure is to make sure that their franchise asset, Joe Burrow, can start the campaign with the continuity needed.
Yesterday, the Bengals officially agreed to a contract extension with guard Dalton Risner. It was under a one-year deal, worth up to $5 million, ensuring that for the first time in the Zac Taylor era the team will return all five primary starting offensive linemen from the previous year.
Looking for stability in the squad
Dalton Risner was a late addition to the roster back in August 2025, but he quickly became an indispensable part of the locker room thanks to his performances and charisma. After taking over the right guard spot, Risner provided the needed talent and work to protect Burrow.
His games were just incredible. Risner finished the season with a 92.6% pass block win rate, the highest mark of any Bengals guard since 2019. His return was exciting that his wife, Whitney Risner, playfully overtook NFL insiders by breaking the news on social media herself. She said:
“Per sources, Dalton Risner is signing back to the Cincinnati Bengals. And sources are me baby!
Taking care of the future
The decision to bring back someone like Risner before the free agency window allows the Bengals to shift their entire focus toward repairing their defense. With the offensive line secured, the front office can now look to upgrade the defensive front and secondary. A much needed job.
While there is always the possibility to take advantage from the draft, the message from the Queen City is that keeping their number 9 upright is the best decision and only way to get back to the playoffs in 2026. However, for Joe Burrow, the sight of five familiar faces in the huddle might be the best news he receives all offseason.
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