Bills Lose Tackle Van Demark, Eyeing Draft Picks

0:00On April 5th, Buffalo Bills just lost a solid offensive tackle, Ryan Van D Mark, to the Minnesota Vikings. The 28-year-old revealed his new Jersey number 72 on Instagram this weekend, two weeks after Buffalo declines to match Minnesota's. $4,270,000 offer sheet for the restricted free agent. The Bills had slapped him with the right of first refusal tender but couldn't top $3,500,000 because of tight salary, cap space. Van D Mark was key depth over three years, playing 43 games, starting four last season and logging a career high 312 snaps at both tackle spots. General manager Brandon Bean admitted it was tough letting him walk, praising his growth and contributions to wins. But tackles are premium and they prioritize spending on guys like wide receivers and edge rushers instead, losing him leaves a real hole in the offensive line backup plans. Now the Bills are eyeing day three draft picks to restock, with five selections starting at number 126 overall.

1:03Names like Florida's Austin Barber, or Boston College's Jude Bowry, could fit in the fifth round for swing tackle value. They've got Tylengrable as the main backup right now, plus Chase Lens stepping up, but expect more competition soon to keep that line deep and ready for whatever comes next. I'm Cory with the story and you've been listening to NFL news today, AI powered football coverage.