Cincinnati Bengals sign G Dalton Risner

Dalton Risner's one-year, $3.7M extension earns a C+ Contract Value Index (CVI), reflecting a reasonable but unspectacular allocation of resources for a veteran interior lineman in a prove-it window. At his salary tier, Risner occupies the solid starter band — a reliable, experienced guard who performs his positional duties without elite upside, which aligns with the Bengals' current 6-11 position and need for cost-effective depth on an underperforming roster. The $3.7M AAV is modest by guard standards, positioning this as a low-risk, low-reward pact that doesn't strain Cincinnati's cap while securing continuity up front during the offseason phase. The real value question hinges on execution: Risner's extension works only if the Bengals stabilize their offensive line and see tangible improvement in 2026, turning a cheap retention into a meaningful contributor during what may be a pivotal reset year. At a single year with no guaranteed hit, the CVI reflects the pragmatism of the deal — not a steal, but a sensible hedge that avoids the bloat of longer commitments while keeping a known commodity available without breaking the bank.