Bills star hit with unexpected news that puts Buffalo in a difficult spot and blindsides the team during free agency chaos
The offseason just got a lot more difficult for Buffalo.
The Buffalo Bills have a difficult decision on their hands.
It’s been reported that the Minnesota Vikings have sent over an offer sheet for offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark. The offensive tackle played all 17 games for Buffalo last season, starting four games in his third NFL season. He played both left and right tackle last season, spending 218 snaps on the right side and 94 on the left, according to Pro Football Focus.
Van Demark is a restricted free agent, and the Bills have the right to match any offer to him after placing a first right of refusal tender on him. Because he was an undrafted free agent, Buffalo wouldn’t receive draft pick compensation if it chose not to match the offer.
Aaron Wilson reported, and then ultimately deleted, that the cost is around $4.2 million for the Bills to try to match. It’s unclear why Wilson deleted his tweet shortly after, but that’s the reported number. Minnesota is desperately trying to add some depth to the offensive line with the decision.
Offensive line has been the name of the game in the offseason
Buffalo’s offensive line has been the talk of the offseason. First, it was Alec Anderson who got another one-year deal. Then, it was center Connor McGovern getting a brand new deal after it was reported that the two sides weren’t close to an agreement. Finally, David Edwards wound up walking in free agency after agreeing to a deal with the New Orleans Saints.
Buffalo could absolutely use Van Demark’s services, but with the current cap situation Buffalo finds itself in, that move might be a little too much for them to bite on. There’s a very real possibility that Buffalo doesn’t match, and Van Demark joins Minnesota for the 2026 season.
This is where general manager Brandon Beane and the front office have to weigh value versus necessity. Van Demark proved he can be a reliable depth piece who can step in when needed, but $4.2 million for a swing tackle might be a luxury Buffalo simply can’t afford right now.
If the Bills choose not to match, it would signal confidence in their current depth and a willingness to allocate resources elsewhere as they continue shaping the roster. If they do match, it reinforces just how much they value continuity along an offensive line that was one of the league’s best.
Either way, a decision is coming quickly. It will say a lot about how Buffalo plans to protect quarterback Josh Allen moving forward.
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