The Buffalo Bills are losing a key reserve member of their offensive line as Buffalo has declined to match the Minnesota Vikings’ offer sheet for restricted free-agent offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark.
Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by discussing the news that Josh Allen is losing Van Demark, a versatile lineman who can play both left and right tackle.
Bills decline to match contract offer to Ryan Van Demark
The Bills had until Monday to make a final decision on whether the team would match the Vikings’ offer sheet for Van Demark, the 27-year-old
swing tackle. In the end, president of football operations/general manager Brandon Beane opted to let Van Demark leave for Minnesota. His new deal with the Vikings will guarantee Van Demark $4.2 million for the 2026 season.
Buffalo will not receive any compensation for Van Demark, since he was an undrafted rookie free agent out of the University of Connecticut and the Bills gave him the lowest qualifying offer as a restricted free agent of one-year, $3.52 million.
Van Demark appeared in 43 games with the Bills during his four seasons in Western New York, including seeing action in all 17 games during the 2025 season. He has made six career starts.
- Bills decline to match contract offer to Ryan Van Demark, lose offensive tackle to Vikings – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Report: Bills will not match Vikings’ offer sheet for Van Demark – WGR 550
- Bills lose offensive tackle to Vikings after declining to match offer – Democrat & Chronicle
- Bills Decline to Match Vikings’ Offer for Important Backup Who Is ‘Sad to Leave’ – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
- NFL news roundup: Vikings signing OL Ryan Van Demark after Bills elect not to match – NFL.com
- Vikings add OT depth, sign Ryan Van Demark to one-year deal – ESPN.com
Even more Bills news
Discussing the news that the Cleveland Browns are signing former Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa to a one-year deal. Plus, examining the state of Buffalo’s retooled secondary; breaking down what the Bills could do to replace David Edwards at left guard; and more!
- Report: Edge rusher A.J. Epenesa signing with Cleveland Browns – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Report: Browns to sign defensive end A.J. Epenesa – WGR 550
- Bills lose longtime pass rusher to Browns in free agency – Democrat & Chronicle
- Bills’ secondary reshaped through free agency: ‘He’s won everywhere he’s been’ – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Bills still have one big offensive line question to answer – Democrat & Chronicle
- Budget-Friendly Free Agent Still Available for Bills to Re-Sign at Position of Need – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
- Former Bills Linebacker Is Perfect Reunion Target in Free Agency – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills articles recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings
- Beyond Josh Allen, things get interesting in Bills’ QB room – Buffalo Rumblings
- Geno Stone a solid foundation for Bills’ defensive backfield – Buffalo Rumblings
- Bills’ FA additions don’t rule out safety in 2026 NFL Draft – Buffalo Rumblings
- Former Bills DE A.J. Epenesa joining Myles Garrett and the Browns – Buffalo Rumblings
- Can you guess this Bills offensive lineman in today’s in-5 trivia game – Buffalo Rumblings
