Another former Kansas State Wildcats football standout is back in the headlines, and this time it’s veteran offensive lineman Dalton Risner. The Cincinnati Bengals announced Monday morning a new one-year deal with Risner, worth up to $5 million.
We have re-signed G Dalton Risner to a one-year contract.
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 2, 2026
🔗: https://t.co/2LKpYFZpV6 pic.twitter.com/mHCjfip6R5
Dalton Risner's career at Kansas State set him up perfectly for the NFL
Risner played for the Wildcats from 2015 to 2018, also redshirting in 2014, and his time at Kansas State was no joke.
The standout guard was a captain in his final three seasons, starting 50 out of 51 games during his time with the Wildcats. Risner earned a slew of honors in his time with the Wildcats, including a handful of All-Big 12 honors and a First Team All-American selection in 2018.
He was drafted 41st overall by the Broncos in 2019, most recently joining the Bengals ahead of the 2025 season after a lengthy stint with the Minnesota Vikings. Risner appeared in 14 games last season, making nine starts at right guard, including each of the final seven games.
During that stretch, he posted a 92.6% win rate, ranking 36th among active NFL guards and logging the highest figure by a Bengals lineman since 2019.
Cincinnati’s overall pass block win rate also climbed six spots, from 29th in the league through the first 11 weeks to 23rd after Risner settled into the starting role.
For Kansas State fans, it’s another chance to see one of their own continue building a lengthy career in the NFL.
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