The Cincinnati Bengals announced a one-year contract extension with guard Dalton Risner on Monday, securing the veteran lineman for the 2026 season. Risner’s deal, confirmed by his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Shawn O’Dare, is worth up to $5 million, and the news was first shared by his wife, Whitney Risner, on X before official team confirmation.

“I’m feeling like Adam Schefter right now,” Whitney joked in her post breaking the news.

Risner, 30 years old, joined the Bengals after a late offseason signing aimed at stabilizing the interior offensive line. He quickly made an impact, appearing in 14 games and starting 11 in his first season with Cincinnati. His 2025 playing time included 768 offensive snaps, helping anchor a line that fluctuated due to injuries and personnel shifts.

His experience provides continuity for Cincinnati, which ended the 2025 season with a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year. Risner’s return ensures the Bengals have a veteran presence in the trenches as they aim to improve both run blocking and pass protection around franchise quarterback Joe Burrow.

Risner’s NFL career began in 2019 when he was selected in the second round (41st overall) by the Denver Broncos. Before joining Cincinnati, he had played in 101 career games with 92 starts, including stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Denver.

When Risner signed with the Bengals in late August 2025, Cincinnati’s offensive line was in flux after injuries and inconsistent play. After Lucas Patrick suffered an early injury, Risner stepped into the starting lineup at right guard by Week 2 and ultimately replaced a rookie starter to occupy a key interior spot through the end of the season. His contribution provided stability in both pass protection and run blocking for Cincinnati’s offense, which has sought consistency up front.

Before the new agreement, Risner had publicly expressed a desire to remain with the Bengals. He said he wanted to stay in Cincinnati and continue building with the team, a sentiment echoed in discussions between his camp and the Bengals front office throughout the 2026 offseason negotiation period.

The one-year deal allows Risner to continue his role immediately. His presence between Ted Karras and Amarius Mims on the line sets a veteran core for the offense to maintain continuity entering 2026.

Offensive line continuity has been a priority for the Bengals, who hope protecting Burrow and establishing a more consistent rushing attack will translate into more wins. Risner’s re-signing ensures experience remains in place while Cincinnati evaluates additional roster upgrades, particularly on the defensive side.