Ryan Van Demark Is Insurance at a Fragile Spot for Vikings

Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports The Minnesota Vikings bolstered their offensive line by signing offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark , a move that adds valuable depth after injuries sidelined both of their starting tackles in a 2025 season that saw the Vikings’ OL decimated by injuries throughout. Minnesota Needed More Help at Offensive Tackle Only Will Fries managed to suit up for every game on the Vikings OL last year, with Christian Darrisaw missing seven games and Brian O’Neill missing three games. Adding good depth to try to reduce the drop-off in case of injuries again in 2026 was a much-needed move.

Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark (74) against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images After going undrafted in 2022, Van Demark was first picked up by the Indianapolis Colts before quickly finding his way to the Buffalo Bills, where he spent the first three seasons of his career.

Van Demark entered the offseason as a restricted free agent, and the Bills placed the lowest-level tender on him, which meant they had the right of first refusal on the Vikings’ one-year, fully guaranteed $4. 2 million offer. On March 20, the Bills informed Minnesota it would not match the offer.

The Bills have cheaper options for the swing tackle job in Tylan Grable and Chase Lundt, and ultimately chose to let Van Demark go — Bills insiders have suggested it was a close call. \The Vikings signed Van Demark — who made six starts for the Bills over the last two seasons — to replace Justin Skule as the OT3 who can step in when required, with the veteran seemingly one-and-done as far as his time in Minnesota goes. Skule played in nine games last season across right and left tackle.