BREAKING: Minnesota Vikings Faces a Crucial Decision as Plan to Replace Risner Raises Concerns…
The Minnesota Vikings are set to introduce their 14th different Week 1 starting guard in the past decade, with Blake Brandel taking the spot early this offseason. This decision has sparked questions about the future of former starter Dalton Risner.
Andrew Krammer, a beat reporter for the Star Tribune, discussed the Vikings’ issues with their interior offensive line on a May 22 episode of the “Access Vikings” podcast. He suggested that the choice of Brandel over Risner was largely driven by financial considerations. “The front office is looking to save money and clearly isn’t investing heavily in the interior offensive line,” Krammer noted. Brandel, who has only five starts in three years, was signed to a three-year, $9.5 million deal this offseason.
The Vikings were hesitant to sign Risner three weeks into the 2023 season, despite having him in for a visit during training camp. However, when Ed Ingram and Ezra Cleveland didn’t perform as expected, they eventually signed Risner, who replaced Cleveland. Cleveland was later traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars at the trade deadline.
Krammer didn’t rule out a possible return for Risner if Brandel fails to secure the starting position or if injuries occur. “It’s surprising because Brandel was part of the rotation before they signed Risner,” Krammer said on a May 8 episode of the “Access Vikings” podcast. “What changed? They must expect him to improve significantly.”
Financial Considerations Behind Brandel’s Promotion
Risner remains a free agent and seeks a starting guard salary, having proven his worth with 62 career starts and a solid pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF). Despite fans’ concerns about the lack of investment in the guard position, Brandel is currently the frontrunner.
Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips praised Brandel during the first week of organized team activities, emphasizing his size, development, and coachability. “I’m really excited about Blake. He’s in great shape, very coachable, and has come through for us in the past,” Phillips said in a May 21 news conference, as reported by Daily Norseman.
A sixth-round pick in 2020, Brandel filled in for Christian Darrisaw for five games in the 2022 season, including a notable performance in the Vikings’ 33-30 overtime victory over the Buffalo Bills. Moving Brandel inside aims to strengthen the Vikings’ running game, which struggled in short-yardage situations last year.
While Risner excelled in pass protection, his run-blocking grade from PFF was 67th among qualifying guards. The Vikings hope to bolster their running game this season with Brandel.
Long-Term Offensive Line Strategy
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah noted that the Vikings’ approach to their offensive line aligns with the trends seen in teams influenced by the Shanahan and McVay coaching trees. “You don’t need the most talented offensive line to be successful with this system,” Jeremiah explained. The strategy includes moving the pocket, quick passes, and minimizing unfavorable situations, reducing dependency on a highly talented offensive line.
As the Vikings potentially transition to a more mobile pocket passer in the future, dominant interior defensive linemen remain a significant challenge for the team.
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