Bears consider adding ex-vikings starter and $7M lineman
Chicago Bears' offensive line concerns and potential solutions
The Chicago Bears' offensive line showed some improvement last season, but the unit still faces significant depth issues. The left tackle spot, held by Braxton Jones and new draftee Kiran Amegadjie, often dominates discussions about the Bears' O-line enhancements. Yet, the front office should also prioritize finding a versatile swing-guard with starting potential this summer.
Teven Jenkins excelled on the left side last season but missed five games, continuing his pattern of missing games due to injuries. Nate Davis struggled on the right side, as noted by Pro Football Focus (PFF), with only 11 starts in 17 games. The Bears traded for Ryan Bates from the Buffalo Bills, but there's still value in free agents like Dalton Risner, a former Minnesota Vikings starter.
Bleacher Report's Scouting Department recommended Risner as a realistic target for the Bears, stating, «Risner, who has 73 career starts, is one of the top linemen available and would provide Chicago with a starting-caliber interior option.»
Dalton Risner's Solid NFL Career with Broncos and Vikings
Dalton Risner, known for his reliability and work ethic, remains a free agent for the second consecutive year. «I'm not the best guard in the league, but I've started 75 games in my five-year career,» Risner told WIBW13 in April. «I don't miss games due to anything but injury. I'm dependable every Sunday, always hustling and working hard.»
Risner has started 73 of 77 games since being drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2019. He joined the Vikings last season, quickly securing a starting role. He played on a $3 million deal with Minnesota after a four-year, $7 million rookie contract with Denver.
Bears' Offensive Line Performance and Future Moves
Despite some struggles, the Bears' offensive line ranked 19th overall last season, partly due to injuries. Key players like Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, and Nate Davis missed time early on, impacting the unit's performance. When at full strength, the line showed promise, ranking 13th in pass-blocking efficiency from Week 6 to Week 14, according to Zoltán Buday of PFF.
Entering his age-29 season, Risner seeks a multiyear contract, possibly explaining his current free-agent status. The Bears, with $22.7 million in cap space, are in a position to offer him a reasonable deal that provides value to the team. As summer approaches, offensive line improvements will likely be a focus for Chicago, balancing upgrades at left tackle and pass-rusher positions. Risner's pass-blocking strength makes him an attractive prospect, potentially offering the Bears solid contract value.
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| POLL | ||
19 MAI | 67 ANSWERS Bears consider adding ex-vikings starter and $7M lineman Should the Bears sign Dalton Risner to improve their offensive line depth? | ||
| yes | 55 | 82.1 % |
| No | 12 | 17.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
