The Buffalo Bills just got put into a situation where they will now have to make a decision on one of their restricted free agents. According to Tom Pelissero, the Minnesota Vikings have signed offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark to an offer sheet as a restricted free agent. The Bills will now have five days to match the offer and if they choose not to match it, Van Demark will head to Minnesota.
RFA action! The Vikings have signed Bills RFA T Ryan Van Demark to an offer sheet, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2026
Ian Rapoport then reported that since Van Demark was an undrafted free agent, the round tender is for $3.52 million and it gives the Bills the right to match but there would be no draft compensation.
Van Demark went undrafted in 2022 and before signing with the Bills practice squad that year, he started his career with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent signing. Van Demark has made the final 53-man roster every season since 2023 and he started in four games this past season.
Van Demark’s most notable game from last season was when he started against the Pittsburgh Steelers when both Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown were ruled out due to injuries. Both Van Demark and Alec Anderson were stepping up to the plate and they played a huge role in the Bills’ rushing attack that had 249 rushing yards.
Bills must decide on Ryan Van Demark's future in Buffalo
Obviously the Bills have their starters in Dawkins and Brown, but having reliable backups is very important especially when you run into a situation like the Bills did last season against the Steelers. Buffalo will have to ultimately decide on whether or not to bring Van Demark back for $3.52 million.Â
He has proven to be reliable in key situations, but if the Bills feel that they can find a reliable backup somewhere else, then letting him go to the Vikings won’t be an issue. However, this is one of those situations where if the Bills let him go, they don’t get any draft pick compensation and then they will be looking for his replacement.
The Bills have five days to match this offer and it will be interesting to see what direction Brandon Beane goes in. Do they keep a reliable backup and spend the money, or do they let him walk and save the money but not get any draft compensation? This will be a situation that Bills fans will want to monitor.