Ryan Van Demark Re-Signed by Buffalo Bills Shortly After the 2024 Season Concludes

As the 2024 NFL season wrapped up, one of the most notable moves made by the Buffalo Bills was the re-signing of offensive tackle Ryan Van Demark. The decision to keep Van Demark on the roster highlights the team’s commitment to building a sustainable offensive line while securing a depth player who has shown steady growth over the course of his career. While it may not have been the headline-grabbing transaction that some expected, it certainly speaks to the team’s understanding of what is necessary to continue competing at a high level in the highly competitive AFC East.

Background: Ryan Van Demark’s Journey to the NFL

Ryan Van Demark, born on July 15, 1998, in Englewood, New Jersey, has come a long way to get to this point. He attended Fair Lawn High School, where he was a standout athlete in multiple sports, but it was in football that he ultimately gained significant attention. After high school, he went on to play for the University of Connecticut, where he was an offensive lineman for the UConn Huskies. Over the course of his collegiate career, Van Demark developed into a reliable force on the offensive line. His 6’6″, 315-pound frame made him a natural fit for the position, and his ability to both protect the quarterback and pave the way for the running back earned him a spot on multiple All-Conference teams.

Despite his success at UConn, Van Demark wasn’t initially regarded as a high-end draft prospect when it came to the 2021 NFL Draft. He went undrafted, but his work ethic and raw talent caught the attention of the Buffalo Bills’ scouting team, who signed him to a free-agent contract shortly after the draft.

Early Years in Buffalo: Development and Dedication

Van Demark spent his first season with the Bills as part of their practice squad, a common route for young players looking to make an impact in the NFL. The Bills’ coaching staff, particularly offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, saw potential in Van Demark’s skill set, and he was gradually introduced to the nuances of playing at the highest level of football. His size and athleticism made him an intriguing prospect, but it was his commitment to learning the game and improving his technique that really stood out.

In 2022, Van Demark made the leap from the practice squad to the active roster. While he didn’t start in any games during his rookie season, he was an essential part of the team’s depth, always ready to step in if needed. He showcased his versatility by being able to play both tackle positions, something that is highly valued in the NFL as injuries can strike at any moment. Although he didn’t receive significant playing time during the regular season, the fact that he was active on game days meant that he was a trusted backup capable of stepping in and holding his own.

The 2023 Season: Gaining Confidence and Trust

The 2023 season was where Ryan Van Demark began to truly cement his place on the roster. With injuries plaguing the offensive line early in the season, Van Demark was thrust into more significant roles. Initially, he served as a backup tackle, but as the season wore on and injuries continued to pile up, he found himself starting in a few games. His performance during these games showed that he had matured as a player and was capable of stepping in and performing at a high level.

His time as a starter wasn’t without its challenges. Van Demark was matched up against some of the league’s top pass rushers, and while he had his share of struggles, he also demonstrated his ability to adjust and improve. By the end of the 2023 season, he had earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. His work ethic, combined with his technical ability, made him a valuable asset to the Bills’ offensive line.

Van Demark’s 2023 season was not only a chance for him to showcase his skills but also a critical learning experience. He faced off against some of the most talented defensive players in the NFL, and through that experience, he gained a more nuanced understanding of how to handle complex pass-rush schemes and stunts. His physical attributes, such as his long arms and quick feet, allowed him to get better at engaging defenders and maintaining leverage, which is key to succeeding in the NFL.

Re-Signing with the Buffalo Bills: A Strategic Move

As the 2024 season drew to a close, the Buffalo Bills were faced with a decision regarding Ryan Van Demark’s future with the team. After much consideration, the Bills front office decided to re-sign him, keeping him in Buffalo for at least a few more seasons. This decision didn’t come as a surprise to many around the league, as Van Demark had proven to be a dependable and versatile player who could step into a starting role if needed.

The Bills’ decision to re-sign Van Demark was a clear indication that the team valued depth and versatility along the offensive line. The offensive line is one of the most crucial units in football, and while the Bills had some high-profile players, such as left tackle Dion Dawkins and center Mitch Morse, there was a need for reliable depth players who could come in and perform if injuries or other issues arose. Re-signing Van Demark gave the Bills that security.

From the Bills’ perspective, keeping a player like Van Demark was not just about his present abilities but also his potential for growth. While he may not be a superstar yet, his ability to step into any position along the line makes him an invaluable asset. The Bills have often stressed the importance of competition and development within the locker room, and by keeping Van Demark, they were adding another player who could continue to improve while contributing to the team’s success.

Van Demark’s Impact on the Bills’ Offensive Line in 2024 and Beyond

Looking ahead, Ryan Van Demark’s role on the team will likely continue to be that of a versatile backup who can step in when needed, but the hope is that he will continue to develop into a player capable of being a reliable starter. The Bills’ offensive line, while solid, is not without its question marks. Injuries are inevitable, and there is always a need for players who can step into a starting role without the team skipping a beat. Van Demark’s experience from the past few seasons has made him a valuable asset, and in 2025 and beyond, he could find himself as a fixture on the starting unit.

Given his development in both pass protection and run blocking, Van Demark has the potential to be a fixture on the Bills’ offensive line. If injuries occur, or if there is a need for a rotation in the lineup, his ability to step in and play at a high level could give the team an edge in maintaining offensive consistency. His experience from both the practice squad and the active roster has given him a well-rounded understanding of how the Bills want to play offense, making him a reliable option for the coaching staff.

Moreover, his presence allows the Bills to focus on other areas in the draft or free agency. Rather than needing to focus solely on addressing the offensive line, they can use their resources to strengthen other positions, knowing they have a player like Van Demark to fall back on. This flexibility in roster construction is vital for long-term success.

The Buffalo Bills’ Continued Commitment to the Offensive Line

The re-signing of Ryan Van Demark is just one piece of the puzzle for the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line. The team has made a concerted effort in recent years to address the offensive line and ensure that quarterback Josh Allen has adequate protection. In addition to Van Demark, the team has invested in key veterans and young players alike to build a solid and cohesive unit. The Bills’ success in the playoffs and their ability to compete with some of the top teams in the AFC hinges on their ability to maintain a strong offensive line that can protect their franchise quarterback and open up holes for the running game.

The Bills are well aware that the NFL is a league where teams live and die by their offensive lines. No matter how talented a quarterback or running back is, they cannot succeed without a strong group of blockers up front. The re-signing of Van Demark, coupled with the continued development of other players, suggests that the Bills are fully committed to ensuring their offensive line remains a strength of the team.

In a league where so much focus is placed on star players and high-profile acquisitions, the Bills’ decision to keep Ryan Van Demark speaks to the importance of building depth and stability along the offensive line. By re-signing him, the team ensures that they have a player who understands the system, is capable of stepping in when needed, and has the potential to continue developing into a starter.