Breaking: Ravens set to sign $4 million veteran guard if they don’t pick OL in 2024 NFL Draft

The Ravens need to put together a good offensive line.

The Baltimore Ravens are widely expected to utilize one of their first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on an offensive lineman following an offseason in which three 2023 starters left. The Ravens must discover an upgrade above their internal choices.

Baltimore plans to start Andrew Vorhees, who has 0 NFL snaps and a major injury, and Ben Cleveland, who has not started in three seasons, at left and right guard, respectively.

If the Ravens are looking for a veteran, former Minnesota Vikings guard Dalton Risner could be the best option. He has expressed dissatisfaction with his failure to secure a starting guard contract. The Ravens may need to address his concerns quickly if they want to recruit an influential player.

Bleacher Report joined the chorus of voices advocating the Ravens look into Risner if they are unable to find a playmaker inside. Risner has shown himself as a competent starter for the Vikings and Denver Broncos, and the Ravens could be his next stop.

Could Baltimore Ravens sign Dalton Risner after NFL Draft?

Risner did not join with the Vikings until September, yet he outperformed incumbents to become a starter. Risner, although being a mediocre run blocker, continued to be one of the NFC’s best pass-blocking guards. Risner is a valuable player because to his durability.

The Ravens may not have a lot of salary room, but they will most likely need to restructure some contracts and move money around to sign their draft class and assemble a deep roster by training camp. Risner is earned a position because he has more experience than Cleveland and Vorhees, both of whom are complete wild cards.

The Ravens could eschew Risner if they use one of their top draft picks on an interior lineman. Duke’s Graham Barton, Arizona’s Jordan Morgan, and Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson (the latter two of whom were mentioned by name as possible targets by Albert Breer) are all in play at No. 30 overall.

Without one of those names delivered promptly to Baltimore, the Ravens need to get on the phone with Risner. Unless Vorhees suddenly turns in Randall McDaniel as a pass-blocker, the Ravens will need to be on the lookout for veteran competition.