The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings have both had an interesting off-season. The Packers moved on from their star running back in Aaron Jones, only for him to move across the border and sign with the Vikings. The Packers are expected to give Jordan Love a massive contract extension this off-season while the Vikings chose to move on from Kirk Cousins.
Now it could be the Packers’ turn to poach a former Vikings stud for the 2024 season.
The Green Bay Packers Could Poach Former Minnesota Vikings Stud
Sayre Bedinger of FanSided published a piece that mentioned a few players the Packers should sign before the 2024 NFL Draft. Offensive lineman Dalton Risner was among them:
One of the premier interior offensive linemen still available in NFL free agency is former Denver Broncos second-round pick Dalton Risner. Risner is coming off of a very good year with the Minnesota Vikings in which he basically pitched a shutout in pass protection at the left guard position.
Risner’s availability this offseason is even more curious than last season considering how well he played for the Vikings in 2023.
Last offseason, there was plenty of intrigue surrounding why Risner was lingering in free agency despite being expected to receive somewhere around $9-10 million per year on a long-term deal. No one was signing him, and questions had risen as to whether or not it was because he shoved backup QB Brett Rypien on the sideline of a Christmas Day blowout loss between the Broncos and Rams.
Risner has been the common denominator of a variety of scuffles in his pro career, but he’s ultimately a great asset to the community and one of the kindest human beings out there. You want your offensive linemen with a bit of a hot streak. The Packers could add Risner to their offensive line mix and he could start for them at right guard if they don’t get who they want in the draft, or if Sean Rhyan is not up to the task.
Would The Packers Sign An Offensive Guard For The 2024 Season?
The Packers’ most pressing offensive line need is tackle, but don’t be surprised if they use one (or more) mid-round picks on interior offensive linemen. At that position, they continuously promote competition and want the “best man” to win the starting job.
With Jon Runyan joining the New York Giants as a free agent, the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line dynamics will change in 2024. Runyan’s departure has left a void in the offensive line department, particularly on the interior. The Packers only have four interior offensive linemen under contract next season.
Addressing the interior offensive line through free agency may actually make a ton of sense. Especially for someone who is coming off such a strong season.
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