The Cincinnati Bengals entered the offseason determined to protect their most valuable asset. After years of offensive line turnover in front of Joe Burrow, the franchise made a clear statement by re-signing veteran guard Dalton Risner to a one-year deal for the 2026 season.
For the first time in Burrow’s career, the Bengals are set to bring back all five of their main starting offensive linemen from the previous year. This kind of stability marks a significant change for a franchise that has been constantly reshaping its protection since they drafted Burrow first overall in 2020.
Risner made it clear why he wanted to stay.
“I want to keep that dude healthy and I want to go win some serious football games this year,” Risner told FOX19 reporter Joe Danneman, referencing Burrow. “Mad respect for Joe. Can’t wait to give him a big hug and see if he hugs me back.”
The message carried weight. Burrow has endured multiple injuries during his career, and protecting him has remained a central focus in Cincinnati. In 2025, the Bengals’ offensive line stabilized, particularly in short-yardage situations. Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher noted the team was elite at running the ball from 3rd-and-1 to 3rd-and-3 situations.
Risner played 768 snaps at right and left guard last season and posted a career-best 69.4 Pro Football Focus grade. He started 11 of 14 games after joining the team just before Week 1. Head coach Zac Taylor called him “a critical part of our team” and praised his ability to step in immediately and perform at a high level.
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The 30-year-old former second-round pick began his journey in Denver, where he started for four seasons before moving on to Minnesota and then Cincinnati. He signed a modest one-year deal last offseason and could have tested the market again. Instead, he pushed to return.
“I didn’t really care to hit free agency and see if someone wanted to sign me to a two- or three-year deal or maybe pay me more cash per year. I wanted to be a Cincinnati Bengal,” Risner said.
The Bengals now project a starting unit of Orlando Brown Jr., Dylan Fairchild, Ted Karras, Risner, and Amarius Mims. It may not be the league’s most decorated line, but it offers stability.
With the offense largely intact, Cincinnati’s focus can now shift to rebuilding its defense. But for now, Burrow received a clear message from the lineman charged with protecting him.