Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings have made a noticeable change to their free agency mindset from the 2025 offseason to what we are seeing in 2026. Last year, they spent the second most of any team in the NFL, behind only Jacksonville.
This year, the Vikings (Rob Brzezinski-led) front office has made it a point to bring back many of their own pending free agents or possible cap casualties, including Aaron Jones, TJ Hockenson and Eric Wilson. They also locked in Jalen Redmond via Exclusive Rights Tender.
But as of Tuesday afternoon, the MN Vikings had signed only two outside free agents — depth cornerback James Pierre and prized quarterback addition, Kyler Murray.
During the NFL combine, agents and insiders across the league found out very quickly that the Wilfs were not interested in blowing a bunch of cash for the second-straight offseason. Instead, the Minnesota Vikings have been EXTREMELY intentional about every dollar they spend.
Minnesota Vikings extend offer to Buffalo Bills tackle, Ryan Van Demark
Gone are the days of 2025, when signings were flying in faster than Tom Pelissero could tweet them out, here are the days where Rob B. methodically fills out weaknesses with what appear to be intriguing, cost-sensible options.
Like Tuesday evening, when the MN Vikings extended an offer sheet to Buffalo Bills restricted free agent tackle, Ryan Van Demark — a soon-to-be 28-year-old who played in all 17 games (4 starts) last year.
The Bills now have five days to match Minnesota’s offer, which is reportedly worth one fully-guaranteed year at just over the $3.52 million his RFA tender is worth. Because he was originally signed as an undrafted free agent, Buffalo will not receive draft pick compensation if they choose to let Demark walk to the Vikings
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
According to @AaronWilson_NFL the offer sheet from Vikings for Van Demark is 1-year, $4.2M.
Bills were committed to 1-year, $3.52M and now have 5 days to match. https://t.co/CCLIka8jWU
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) March 17, 2026
Last season, Van Demark played a career-high 312 offensive snaps, according to PFF, 218 of which came at right tackle. In 2024, the Connecticut alum played 199 snaps. As a rookie in 2023, he played just 46.
More importantly was what Ryan Van Demark did with his reps in 2025, posting a 74.4 PFF grade (74.9 RBLK, 65.6 PBLK). During his 147 pass block attempts last season, per PFF, Van Demark allowed 9 pressures, 6 hurries and 2 sacks (96.1 efficiency rating).
Ryan Van Demark continues to develop under Kromer. Very good hand usage/technique in the run game vs Steelers. He processed run stunts quickly, punched through the near shoulder to help backside blockers, stayed connected on combo blocks to the next level, played with strong grip… pic.twitter.com/xS6J8uTHZn
— Cover 1 (@Cover1) August 18, 2024
The Minnesota Vikings struggled mightily to stay healthy on the offensive line in 2025, including three missed starts from right tackle Brian O’Neill and seven missed starts from left tackle Christian Darrisaw. It’s very possible the Vikings look for more trench help on offense and defense during April’s draft.
However, if they are able to swipe Ryan Van Demark from Buffalo, it will make them even more flexible next month when picks start flying off the board.
Mentioned in this article: NFL Free Agency Ryan Van Demark
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