Bengals Secure Dalton Risner, Leaving Seahawks to Reassess Lineup
The search for offensive line depth by the Seattle Seahawks has taken an unexpected turn. Veteran offensive lineman Dalton Risner, who had recently visited the Seahawks, has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. The announcement came on Thursday, ending the speculation around Risner’s potential fit in Seattle.
Risner, a seasoned player with seven years of experience, was a starting left guard for the Minnesota Vikings last season, where he started eight games. Over his career, he has accumulated a total of 81 starts, primarily at left guard. The Seahawks, keen on strengthening their offensive line, were particularly interested in Risner for their right guard position, as rookie first-round pick Grey Zabel is firmly positioned at left guard.
The Seahawks had hoped Risner could challenge Anthony Bradford for the starting right guard role. Nevertheless, with the season approaching, it would have been a tight timeline for a new starter to integrate into the lineup. Currently, Bradford is expected to maintain his position at the start of the season.
Seattle’s offensive line depth raises concerns, especially with recent roster changes. The team’s backup options include late-round rookies Bryce Cabeldue and Mason Richman, along with center Olu Oluwatimi and swing tackle Josh Jones. The Seahawks recently waived Sataoa Laumea, a sixth-round guard from the 2024 draft, but brought him back to the practice squad after he started six games last season. This indicates a shift in the team’s strategy under the new offensive coaching staff, who appear to favor other candidates.
As the Bengals have secured Risner, the Seahawks are left to reconsider their options for bolstering the offensive line. With limited free-agent prospects remaining, and few that would surpass the current roster’s capabilities, general manager John Schneider may need to explore trade possibilities.
The likelihood is that the Seahawks will stay the course and allow their existing lineup to develop through experience and continued practice together. The team will be looking to build cohesion and effectiveness on the field as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The situation in Seattle is evolving, and fans will be keenly observing how the team’s decisions will impact their performance as they head into the competitive landscape of the new season.
