Vikings Target Offensive Line Depth with Offer Sheet for Ryan Van Demark

The Minnesota Vikings have taken a step to reinforce their offensive line by signing restricted free agent Ryan Van Demark of the Buffalo Bills to a one-year, $4.2 million offer sheet. The transaction, processed on Wednesday, places the decision back in Buffalo’s hands as it evaluates whether to match the deal.

Because Van Demark entered the league as an undrafted player, no draft compensation is attached to the offer sheet. That leaves the Bills with a straightforward financial decision: match Minnesota’s offer or allow the lineman to depart for a relatively modest increase in salary.

Van Demark’s profile as a versatile offensive tackle has made him an appealing option for Minnesota, which is looking to add stability and flexibility along its front. His ability to play both tackle spots provides valuable insurance for a team managing durability concerns at key positions.

The move underscores Minnesota’s broader approach to roster building, particularly in addressing depth behind its starting offensive tackles. With the offer sheet now in place, attention turns to Buffalo’s response ahead of the deadline.

1. Van Demark’s NFL Journey and Development

Van Demark’s path to this point has been one of persistence and gradual development. He initially signed with the Indianapolis Colts following the 2022 NFL Draft but was waived during final roster cuts before landing on the Bills’ practice squad. He later secured a spot on Buffalo’s active roster in 2023, appearing in 12 games that season. His role expanded further in 2024, when he played in 14 games and made two starts, continuing to build experience within the team’s offensive system. Over the course of his career, Van Demark has appeared in 43 games with six starts, demonstrating steady progression from depth contributor to rotational option. His size at 6-foot-6 and 307 pounds gives him the physical traits needed to compete at the NFL level. As he has gained experience, Van Demark has shown the ability to step in when needed without significant drop-off, a quality that has helped him remain a viable option on an active roster.

2. Performance Metrics and Positional Versatility

In the 2025 season, Van Demark appeared in 17 games, starting four and logging 312 offensive snaps. His performance earned him a 74.4 Pro Football Focus grade, reflecting solid play in a rotational role. Notably, his two starts at right tackle were among his strongest outings, each receiving grades of at least 79. That level of performance in limited opportunities suggests he can handle increased responsibility when called upon. Across the past two seasons, Van Demark has accumulated 511 offensive snaps, splitting time between both tackle positions. In 2025 alone, he logged 154 snaps at right tackle and 43 at left tackle, highlighting his versatility along the line. That ability to play multiple positions is particularly valuable for teams seeking depth options who can fill in across different roles. For Minnesota, such flexibility could prove critical in managing injuries or rotational needs throughout the season.

3. Fit with Minnesota’s Offensive Line Needs

The Vikings’ interest in Van Demark aligns with their need to strengthen depth behind starting tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Both players have experienced durability concerns in recent seasons, prompting the team to seek reliable backups. Darrisaw has not played more than 15 games in a single season and was limited to 10 games in the most recent campaign following a 2024 ACL and MCL injury that restricted him to seven appearances. His health remains a key factor in Minnesota’s offensive line stability. O’Neill, while a Pro Bowl selection in 2024, has also dealt with missed time, including multiple seasons with 14 games played. Ensuring adequate depth behind both tackles is therefore a priority for the Vikings as they look to maintain consistency up front. If Buffalo declines to match the offer, Van Demark is expected to step into a swing tackle role in Minnesota, potentially replacing Justin Skule. In that capacity, he would serve as a primary backup capable of filling in at either tackle spot as needed.