After signing swing tackle Ryan Van Demark to an offer sheet this week, the Vikings have officially signed him to a one-year, $4.2 million contract. The move was finalized after the Buffalo Bills opted not to match.
Though even the most diehard fans probably aren’t familiar with Van Demark at this point in his career, the Vikings prioritized him because he’s already proven that he’s capable of holding his own in the trenches.
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That’s exactly what the Vikings need behind left tackle Christian Darrisaw and right tackle Brian O’Neill. It’s no secret that Darrisaw and O’Neill have both struggled with their fair share of injuries as of late.
Not only does the addition of Van Demark provide a contingency plan who can play in a pinch, but it also gives the Vikings an ascending player who figures to have some untapped potential in his massive 6-foot-6, 310-pound frame.
In a perfect world for the Vikings in the short term, Van Demark won’t have to play next season. That would mean that Darrisaw and O’Neill were available in every game. If he does have to play, however, Van Demark is undoubtedly an upgrade over former swing tackle Justin Skule.
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