Latest Vikings Rumors: Dalton Risner’s Next Team, Will Fries’ Health, Noah Fant

Former Minnesota guard Dalton Risner remains a free agent, and Bleacher Report believes he could sign with the Texans — a team that has faced recent offensive line woes.

BR’s Kristopher Knox wrote last week, “Surprisingly, Risner remains unsigned in the late offseason once again. It’s surprising because Risner has been a fairly solid starter throughout his career. Though he left a little something to be desired as a run blocker last season, he remained one of the NFL’s better pass protectors.”

“Pro Football Focus graded him 13th among guards in pass-blocking for the 2024 season. Risner should interest pass-heavy teams like the Bengals, who could already be considering a new guard tandem in free-agent Lucas Patrick and rookie third-round pick Dylan Fairchild.”

Risner always has a terrible time finding employment in free agency. It’s quite weird.

“Cincinnati has $32.6 million in cap space available and should consider making one last move to improve Joe Burrow’s pass protection. The Houston Texans could and should consider taking a look at the 30-year-old,” Knox added.

“Houston has thrown several darts at its new-look offensive line and, even with just $11 million in cap space remaining, could afford to throw another by signing Risner. Logical Landing Spots: Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans.”

Risner in Houston would absolutely make sense. That squad needs all the OL help it can find — not unlike Minnesota near the end of the Mike Zimmer era.

Rumor: Will Fries is basically good to go in Minnesota after breaking his leg last season in Indianapolis.

Fries, who many believed might be a question mark in terms of health this summer, is apparently back. Like — back-back.

Lindsey Young of Vikings.com noted this week, “While Darrisaw will ease back in a little slower, Fries is nearly ready for full-go. O’Connell explained Fries has been fully cleared medically; now, it’s just ‘a matter of ramping him up football-wise’ as a newcomer to Minnesota’s offensive system. Positive news for the timetables of Darrisaw and Fries has an impact on the Vikings entire team — and certainly on J.J. McCarthy, who’s readying for his first season as Minnesota’s starting quarterback.”

“The 22-year-old will only benefit from an offensive line boasting consistency and experience out of the gate. That includes Darrisaw and Fries returning from injury, Ryan Kelly bringing vet know-how from Indy and Brian O’Neill continuing to be an anchor in the position room and on the line at right tackle.”

Rumor: Noah Fant, freshly released by the Seattle Seahawks, would fit well with the Vikings.

Fant attended the University of Iowa at the same time as Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Couple that factoid with Vikings TE3 Gavin Bartholomew on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, and there’s a path for Minnesota to add an extra tight end from the free-agent wire.

Janik Eckardt at our affiliate site, PurplePTSD.com, made the case this week: “The former 20th overall pick of the Denver Broncos hasn’t quite lived up to the draft hype with stints in Denver and Seattle, but he’s had six solid seasons at the pro level, collecting over 400 yards in each. He eclipsed 500 yards four times and 600 yards twice. For him, the timing couldn’t be much worse, as most rosters are set and nobody really needs a new TE1.”

“A backup and rotational role is the most likely outcome for Fant, especially in a prove-it fashion with a short-term contract. It remains to be seen if Fant is ready for a depth role like that. The Vikings are a team that heavily features sets with two tight ends, and their current lineup features blocking specialist Josh Oliver either next to Hockenson or with someone else on obvious running downs.”

Fant is in the prime of his career at 27 years old.

Read More