The Minnesota Vikings are doing something in free agency! I repeat. . .the Minnesota Vikings are doing something in free agency!
Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network are reporting that the Vikings have signed Buffalo Bills restricted free agent offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark to an offer sheet.
The Bills tendered Van Demark at the “original round” tender amount of $3.52 million. The Bills now have five days to decide whether or not they want to match the Vikings’ offer. If they choose not to, he will be on his way to Minnesota. Because Van Demark was an undrafted free agent, the Vikings would not owe the Bills any compensation if the Bills choose not to match.
Van Demark played his college ball at the University of Connecticut. He went undrafted in 2022 and originally signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent, but was let go by the Colts as part of their final cuts. He then signed with the Bills and spent the 2022 season on their practice squad.
Van Demark made the Bills’ 53-man roster in 2023, and has since appeared in 43 games for them, including six starts. Four of those starts came this past season. If the Bills choose not to match the Vikings’ offer and he winds up coming to Minnesota, he would presumably fill the role that Justin Skule had this past season with the Vikings as the team’s swing tackle, as he can play either of the tackle spots.
So, the clock is ticking on whether or not the Bills will choose to match the Vikings’ offer on Ryan Van Demark and keep him in Western New York or allow him to join the Vikings. We’ll be keeping an eye on this one.
See More:
