Ex-Viking Offensive Guard Say YES TO KANSAS CITY CHIEFS, He Could Be Their Swing Guard as Bolsters Depth

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Chiefs are moving quickly to fix one of their most pressing concerns before the season opener in Brazil. Offensive line depth has been the story of training camp and preseason.

After a winless 0-3 preseason, alarm bells rang about protecting Patrick Mahomes and supporting Isiah Pacheco in the run game. Rookies struggled, veterans failed to inspire confidence, and analysts labeled the Chiefs’ interior blocking as a “mess.”

The front office finally responded with a decisive move. Reports confirm that the franchise has reached terms with a veteran guard who brings both versatility and much-needed experience to the offensive trenches.

That veteran is Dalton Risner, a former Minnesota Viking and longtime Denver Bronco. “I'm ready to fight for this city. Kansas City lives and breathes football, and I want to wear red and gold to prove I belong — and to help bring a Super Bowl back home,” he said.

Risner, 28, has appeared in 80 games with 68 starts since being drafted in the second round by Denver in 2019. Known for his elite run-blocking, he earned an 85.7 PFF rushing grade in 2024, ranking among the league’s best.

In Kansas City, his role will likely be that of a swing guard. He can back up Trey Smith on the right side or push Kingsley Suamataia on the left, where preseason issues have exposed vulnerabilities.

GM Brett Veach reportedly secured Risner at a modest price, between $2–3 million. Analysts call it a low-risk, high-reward signing that could make the Chiefs’ offensive line “have no real weaknesses” heading into September.

For a franchise chasing an unprecedented three-peat, timing is everything. Risner’s arrival comes just days before final roster cuts and a high-profile Week 1 showdown with the Chargers. Chiefs Kingdom now watches to see if stability finally returns up front.