It looks like the Minnesota Vikings have their new swing tackle.
Tom Pelissero is reporting that the Buffalo Bills will not be matching the Vikings’ offer sheet to restricted free agent offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark. That means that Van Demark will be on his way to Minnesota, where he will likely serve as the primary backup to both Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill.
The Bills tendered Van Demark at the “right of first refusal” level of restricted free agency, which meant a 1-year, $3.52 million deal. The Vikings’ offer sheet went slightly above that, as Pelissero’s report says the Vikings offered him one year at $4.2 million, likely in the hope that it would further prevent the Bills from matching.
Because Van Demark was an undrafted free agent, the Vikings will not owe the Bills anything in the form of compensation for signing one of their restricted free agents away.
This appears to be a pretty solid move by the Vikings. Van Demark put up a PFF grade of 74.4 last season, which is a pretty decent mark for a depth player. In addition, as we’ve mentioned, he has experience at both of the tackle spots and has gotten a few starts for the Bills. Given that both Darrisaw and O’Neill have had some issues with injuries over the past couple of seasons, Van Demark gives the Vikings someone who it appears could capably step in if they continue to have those issues going forward.
Welcome to Minnesota, Ryan Van Demark!
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