How does an offer sheet work in the NFL?

The Minnesota Vikings are making a calculated move to bolster their offensive line, signing offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark to an offer sheet away from the Buffalo Bills.

Now the situation shifts to Buffalo, where the Bills hold the power to decide Van Demark’s immediate future.

What Is a Restricted Free Agent?

Van Demark is a restricted free agent (RFA), which means his current team—the Bills—still retains certain rights over him, even though his contract has expired.

Here’s how it works in simple terms:

• When a player becomes an RFA, his original team can place a tender on him (a one-year contract offer at a set salary).
• That tender allows the player to negotiate with other teams, like the Vikings in this case.
• If another team signs the player to an offer sheet, the original team gets a chance to respond.

The Bills signed Ryan Van Demark to an original round tender, which is worth around 3.52 million dollars. The sad thing is Van Demark was not drafted so if they do not match the offer of the Vikings, they will not get any compensation for him leaving.

The Bills’ Two Options

Now that Van Demark has signed an offer sheet with Minnesota, the Bills have two choices:

1. Match the Offer

If Buffalo matches the exact terms of the Vikings’ offer sheet:

• Van Demark stays with the Bills
• He plays under the terms negotiated by Minnesota which is a one year deal worth 4.2 million

2. Decline to Match

If the Bills choose not to match:

• Van Demark joins the Vikings
• Buffalo won’t receive draft pick compensation because he was an undrafted free agent but they will lose their player.

Why This Matters

For Minnesota, this is a strategic play. Instead of waiting for free agency, they’re targeting a young lineman they believe has upside and forcing Buffalo into a tough cap and roster decision.

For Buffalo, it becomes a question of value:

• Do they believe Van Demark is worth the contract Minnesota offered?
• Or are they comfortable letting him walk without gaining anything in return?

A High-Stakes Waiting Game

The clock is now ticking. The Bills typically have five days to make their decision once the offer sheet is signed.

If they match, it’s business as usual—Van Demark remains in Buffalo.

If they don’t, the Vikings may have just stolen a starting-caliber offensive lineman without giving up traditional trade assets.

Either way, this is one of the more intriguing under-the-radar roster battles of the offseason—one that could quietly impact both teams heading into 2026.