Bengals urged to re-sign veteran contributor on a one-year, prove-it deal

Charlie Baduini

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Bengals urged to re-sign veteran contributor on a one-year, prove-it deal image

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The Cincinnati Bengals have had a disappointing season to say the least. Despite the improbable early return of Joe Burrow, they were unable to stay in the playoff race and have been officially eliminated.

It's time for the Bengals to start taking inventory of their current roster and decide who deserves to return in 2026 as they look to continue to capitalize on a championship window with Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins.

Among the offensive linemen, there's an impending free agent whose had a good season, and likely has a starting spot waiting for him next season.

Bengals urged to re-sign guard Dalton Risner

Journeyman guard Dalton Risner, who is set to be an unrestricted free agent, should be a priority for Cincy's front office, according to ESPN's Ben Baby.

"Risner signed a one-year, prove-it deal after training camp with the Bengals. After missing essentially an entire offseason, he has settled into Cincinnati's locker room and won the starting job at right guard. Risner ranks 35th out of 66 qualifying guards in pass block win rate," wrote Baby.

"Cincinnati is 27th in pass block win rate, but that's tied for its highest standing in that metric over a full season (2023) since Joe Burrow was drafted in 2020. Even with rookie Jalen Rivers waiting in the wings, re-signing Risner makes sense for a unit that needs stability."

For a team that just needs solid depth, Risner should be an inexpensive re-signing, perfect for the Bengals.

Cincinnati needs to protect Burrow, and the veteran offensive lineman will go a long way in ensuring the Bengals have veteran talent on the offensive line.

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