Vikings Expected To Lose Major Offensive Piece In Free Agency

Dalton Risner, Brandon Powell, Vikings, NFL
Nov 5, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Brandon Powell (4) celebrates after a touchdown with guard Dalton Risner (66) against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings have several key players from their 2023 roster that are set to hit free agency. A lot of the focus to this point has been on quarterback Kirk Cousins and edge rusher Danielle Hunter.

Both players are going to be expensive to retain. The franchise tag cannot be used on Cousins and he should have a robust market despite injuring his Achilles during the season. Hunter is one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL, something teams are willing to pay a premium price to obtain.

But, another important veteran is hitting free agency; offensive lineman Dalton Risner. Risner’s market in 2023 was surprisingly cold, as he didn’t receive any offers during the summer or training camp. He eventually landed with the Vikings, appearing in 15 games and starting 11 of them.

However, his time in Minnesota could be short-lived. Former Vikings offensive lineman Jeremiah Sirles made an appearance recently on the “Purple Insider” podcast and Risner was one of the topics. Sirles believes that he is going to get paid this offseason and Minnesota would be smart to let him walk, addressing more pressing needs on the roster.

NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Dalton Risner, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Minnesota Vikings Updates

Risner joined the Vikings on a one-year, $3 million three weeks into the regular season as they needed help along their offensive line. He lived up to his billing as a strong pass protector, not surrendering a sack in 485 pass-blocking snaps.

Despite not having a strong market in 2023, that is expected to change in 2024. Pro Football Focus is predicting that he will earn a three-year, $24 million deal with $15 million guaranteed. That is a nice chunk of change for someone who had to wait nearly a month into the season to get signed.

During the 2023 season, the Vikings were one of the best pass-blocking teams in the NFL and Risner was a big reason why. In an ideal world, Minnesota would retain him. But, Sirles was correct; there are more pressing needs on the roster which the team needs to worry about first.

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