The Minnesota Vikings addressed a need by signing offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark to a one-year, $4.2 million fully-guaranteed contract. The move provides essential depth behind starters who missed significant time in 2025. Buffalo Bills declined to match the offer, meaning they receive no compensation after tendering Van Demark at the lowest restricted free agent level.

Christian Darrisaw, the Vikings' left tackle, missed seven games last season while recovering from torn knee ligaments. He left five of his 10 played games early as part of his recovery process. Right tackle Brian O'Neill also missed three games with various ailments. After the season, former GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah acknowledged the need for more insurance behind the starters.

Undrafted out of Connecticut, Van Demark started six games over the past three seasons after beginning his career on Buffalo's practice squad in 2022. The addition gives Minnesota a proven backup who can step in immediately if needed. The Vikings placed Darrisaw on injured reserve in December and shut him down early in the season as part of his recovery plan.