Dillon Radunz

Dillon Radunz Bio

Dillon Jeffrey Radunz (born March 28, 1998) is an American professional football guard for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the North Dakota State Bison and was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. A First-team FCS All-American and three-time FCS national champion, Radunz has established himself as a durable and versatile offensive lineman at the professional level.

Early Life and Background

Dillon Jeffrey Radunz was born on March 28, 1998, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, United States. His family relocated to Becker, Minnesota, when he was in first grade, and he grew up in the small community throughout his youth. Radunz attended Becker High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, including basketball, football, and track and field.

On the football field, Radunz was a two-year starter at both offensive tackle and defensive end. He helped lead Becker High School to a remarkable 25-1 record over two seasons, capturing back-to-back state championships. His individual accolades included being named the All-Area Football Player of the Year by the St. Cloud Times, earning East Central District North Division Most Valuable Player honors, and receiving first-team All-State recognition as a senior. He also competed in track and field, throwing shot put and discus, and currently holds the Becker High School shot put record at 57 feet 7 inches. In high school, he accumulated 163 tackles, including 14 sacks.

Path to Professional Football

Despite his standout high school career, Radunz was rated only a 2-star offensive tackle recruit coming out of Becker High School. He received limited recruiting attention but ultimately chose to continue his football career at the Football Championship Subdivision level. He committed to play college football at North Dakota State University over offers from several programs, including Missouri, Northern Illinois, Northern Iowa, South Dakota, South Dakota State, and Wyoming.

His decision to attend North Dakota State proved instrumental in his development. The program has a storied tradition of developing NFL talent and competing for FCS national championships. Radunz redshirted as a true freshman in 2016, and though he was named a starter heading into his freshman season, his collegiate career encountered an early obstacle.

College Career at North Dakota State

Radunz redshirted as a true freshman at North Dakota State in 2016. Named a starter going into his sophomore season, he suffered a season-ending knee injury after playing just 17 snaps in the season opener. The injury required significant rehabilitation, but Radunz demonstrated resilience in his recovery.

He returned to form as a redshirt sophomore in 2018, earning second-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) honors while starting 15 games. His junior season in 2019 represented his breakthrough campaign. Radunz played 682 snaps with 63 knockdowns and zero sacks allowed in 12 regular season games. He started all 16 of the Bison’s games that year and was named first-team All-MVFC, becoming a consensus first-team All-American selection. His dominant play helped anchor an offensive line that protected for a championship-caliber team.

Radunz entered his redshirt senior season as a consensus preseason All-American. The MVFC postponed its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he started the only game of North Dakota State’s fall season against Central Arkansas. To further showcase his abilities, Radunz attended and performed well at the 2021 Senior Bowl, a premier event for draft prospects. His college career concluded with three FCS national championships, solidifying his status as one of the top offensive line prospects in his draft class.

Dillon Radunz Career

Tennessee Titans (2021-2024)

Radunz was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the second round, with the 53rd overall pick, in the 2021 NFL Draft. The selection reflected the Titans’ confidence in his ability to contribute at the professional level. On May 13, 2021, Radunz signed his four-year rookie contract with Tennessee, officially beginning his NFL career.

As a rookie during the 2021 season, Radunz appeared in 12 games. He made his first career start at left tackle in Week 16, stepping in for an injured Taylor Lewan. The experience of his first NFL start provided valuable game action and experience along the offensive line. His versatility across positions became evident as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of professional football.

Tennessee Titans Breakthrough (2022-2023)

The 2022 season presented both challenges and opportunities for Radunz. Entering the year as a backup guard behind Aaron Brewer and Nate Davis, he saw action at both guard spots due to injuries along the offensive line. He appeared in 11 games and made four total starts during the season. However, his year was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve with a torn ACL on December 22, 2022. The injury required another rehabilitation process, testing his mental and physical resilience for the second time in his football career.

Radunz returned for the 2023 season with determination. He played 16 games with 11 starts, demonstrating his durability and capability as a full-time starter. His performance that season established him as a reliable piece of the Titans’ offensive line, showcasing the progress he had made since his collegiate days and his recovery from injury.

New Orleans Saints Era (2025-Present)

On March 24, 2025, Radunz signed with the New Orleans Saints on a one-year contract, marking a new chapter in his professional career. He transitioned to his new team and quickly earned a significant role. Radunz played in 15 games for New Orleans, including 10 starts at left guard. His versatility and experience brought valuable depth and competition to the Saints’ offensive line.

Building on his strong debut season with the franchise, Radunz re-signed with the Saints on March 12, 2026, on a two-year contract extension. The deal reflected the organization’s confidence in his abilities and his fit within their long-term plans. Radunz continues to serve as a reliable starter at the guard position for New Orleans.

Driving Style and Strengths

Throughout his career, Radunz has demonstrated versatility as an offensive lineman, capable of playing both guard and tackle positions. His 6-foot-6 frame provides excellent length for handling pass rushers, while his experience at multiple positions along the line adds strategic value to any offense. His ability to recover from injuries, including two significant knee injuries, speaks to his physical durability and mental toughness.

Notable Events and Milestones

Radunz’s career has been defined by resilience and steady progression. His first career NFL start in Week 16 of his rookie season marked his introduction to regular playing time at the professional level. Over five NFL seasons, he has appeared in 69 games with 41 starts, demonstrating consistent availability and reliability. His journey from a 2-star high school recruit to a professional NFL starter exemplifies his work ethic and determination to exceed expectations.

Dillon Radunz Career Wins

Throughout his football career spanning college and professional levels, Dillon Radunz has accumulated significant achievements and wins. His college career at North Dakota State included three FCS national championships and numerous individual honors that established his reputation as an elite offensive lineman.

North Dakota State Highlights

At the collegiate level, Radunz was a key contributor to North Dakota State’s dominance in the FCS. He was part of three consecutive FCS national championship teams in 2017, 2018, and 2019. His junior season in 2019 represented his peak collegiate performance, earning him First-team FCS All-American honors and First-team All-MVFC recognition. He was also named Second-team All-MVFC during his sophomore season in 2018.

Other Wins and Performances

In the NFL, Radunz has been a consistent contributor with 69 games played and 41 starts across five seasons with the Titans and Saints. His durability and availability have been hallmarks of his professional career, allowing him to accumulate significant playing time despite facing injuries along the way.

Family

Personal Life

Dillon Radunz grew up in Becker, Minnesota, where he attended Becker High School and established himself as a multi-sport athlete. His athletic family background contributed to his success in multiple sports during high school. Radunz currently resides in Becker, Minnesota, maintaining ties to his home community throughout his professional career.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Radunz as he joined the New Orleans Saints organization. Signed on March 24, 2025, he reported to the team and began integrating into the offensive line rotation. Throughout the season, he appeared in 15 games with 10 starts at left guard, demonstrating the versatility and reliability that characterized his career.

His performance with the Saints built momentum that carried into his contract extension in March 2026. The two-year deal reflected the organization’s belief in his continued contributions. Looking ahead, Radunz enters the 2026 season as an established member of the Saints’ offensive line, with aspirations for expanded responsibilities and continued team success.