Ryan Van Demark agreed to a one-year, $4.2M deal with the Vikings after Buffalo declined to match. Betting angle: improved tackle depth should modestly lower odds on Minnesota allowing sacks and boost the run game — punters might favor slightly higher Vikings rushing totals and safer QB-sack props against Minnesota.
Vikings Add Ryan Van Demark After Bills Decline to Match
The Vikings landed offensive lineman Ryan Van Demark on a one-year, $4.2 million deal after the Buffalo Bills chose not to match Minnesota’s offer sheet. The 27-year-old undrafted swing tackle brings NFL experience and immediate depth to a unit that has battled injuries at both tackle spots.
What Van Demark Brings to the Line
Van Demark has three seasons of NFL experience and spent the 2025 season in Buffalo, appearing in 17 games with four starts and logging 312 total snaps. Pro Football Focus graded him 74.4 overall, with a 65.6 pass-block grade and a 74.9 run-block grade. In 147 pass-block snaps he allowed nine pressures and two sacks, showing competence as a depth swing tackle.
Immediate Roster and Depth-Chart Impact
Van Demark projects to fill the swing-tackle role that Justin Skule occupied, a role increasingly vital for a Vikings line that has seen injuries to Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. His arrival likely pushes Walter Rouse to third-string tackle and solidifies backup tackle insurance for the regular season.
Implications for Center Competition
With Van Demark onboard, Blake Brandel can focus more on the center position as Minnesota adjusts after Ryan Kelly’s retirement. Brandel’s versatility makes him the frontrunner for starting center, unless the Vikings add a center via free agency or the draft. Behind Brandel, Michael Jurgens — a third-year player with 309 career offensive snaps in 18 appearances — and Zeke Correll remain depth options at center.
Guard Depth and Interior Line Notes
Donovan Jackson’s promising rookie campaign and Will Fries’ second year on his current deal stabilize the starting guard spots. Undrafted backups Henry Byrd and Joe Huber provide depth at left and right guard respectively, while second-year Vershon Lee projects as the third-string guard entering the summer.
Betting and Fantasy Outlook
Van Demark’s signing is a modest positive for bettors concerned about Vikings pass protection and run-blocking continuity. Improved tackle depth reduces the injury risk to starters and could slightly lower the likelihood of Minnesota allowing high sack totals in early-season matchups.
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Expect marginal movement in markets: Vikings rushing totals may tick up and QB sack props against Minnesota could look a touch safer for the home side. Fantasy managers should view this as stabilizing for Vikings offensive line-dependent assets but not a game-changing upgrade.
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