Baltimore,Su – May 4, 2025
The Baltimore Ravens have landed a critical piece for their offensive line, signing veteran guard Dalton Risner to a one-year, $5 million deal, sources confirmed to ESPN on Sunday. The move, orchestrated by Eric DeCosta, addresses Baltimore’s most pressing need, fortifying the interior line to protect Lamar Jackson and power Derrick Henry’s ground game.
Risner, 29, brings seven years of starting experience, having played 77 games with 73 starts for the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings. A 2019 second-round pick out of Kansas State, he earned PFWA All-Rookie honors and posted a 68.1 PFF grade in 2024, ranking 22nd among guards. “He’s a mauler who fits our style,” John Harbaugh told reporters, per The Athletic. His pass-blocking prowess, with a 68.5 PFF grade, fills a void left by Patrick Mekari’s departure to Jacksonville.
The Ravens, 12-5 in 2024, leaned on Jackson’s dual-threat brilliance and Henry’s 1,891 rushing yards but faltered when injuries hit their line. Mekari and Josh Jones’s exits left Andrew Vorhees and Ben Cleveland as unproven starters. Risner, versatile at both guard spots, slots in at left guard, pushing Vorhees to compete with Emery Jones Jr. for right guard. “He’s a plug-and-play veteran,” analyst Jeff Zrebiec said on NBC Sports.
Drafting Jones Jr. (Round 3), Carson Vinson (Round 5), and Garrett Dellinger (Round 7) signaled a youth movement, but DeCosta’s $17.1 million cap space allowed the Risner splash. His durability—missing only four games in five years—mitigates concerns, though his run-blocking (57.9 PFF grade) needs polish for Baltimore’s gap-heavy scheme.
The signing follows Joseph Noteboom’s addition as swing tackle, rounding out a revamped line. Fan buzz on X, tagged #RavensFlock, erupted, with many eyeing a Kansas City Chiefs matchup. Can Risner anchor the line for a Super Bowl run? Drop your take below!
