Ryan Van Demark Is Insurance at a Fragile Spot for Vikings
· Yahoo 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.
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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 ImagesAfter 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.
What Can Van Denmark Bring to Minnesota?
Like the Skule signing at this time last year, Van Demark profiles as a player who should be able to step in and do a decent job. He’s unlikely to be as good as Darrisaw or O’Neill, who are two of the best at their respective positions. Van Denmark steadily improved during his time in Buffalo and enjoyed his best season to date last year, with a career-high 312 snaps on offense and a career-high 74.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
Van Demark allowed 9 total pressures in pass protection, including 2 sacks allowed to opposing pass rushers. His strength lay in his run blocking, while the versatile tackle was also flagged for 3 penalties over the course of the season.
He was active for 31 consecutive games in Buffalo, showcasing reliable availability, which is as important as any skill a player might have. Van Demark should prove to be a low-key but solid offseason acquisition for the Vikings, adding some quality depth to the roster.