Minnesota Vikings sign T Ryan Van Demark

The Minnesota Vikings' signing of T Ryan Van Demark earns a C+ Contract Value Index (CVI), reflecting a depth acquisition at a market-rate price point that carries modest upside but limited star-power payoff. At $3.52M on a one-year deal, the CVI acknowledges this is a realistic market cost for a backup-to-rotation tackle in the current salary environment — not an overpay, but not a steal either. Van Demark slots into the solid-starter-to-above-average tier as a reserve option, useful insurance on the offensive line without the premium attached to elite-caliber left or right tackle prospects. The Vikings, sitting at 9-8 and fighting for playoff positioning, are making a calculated bet on stability rather than upside; this is the kind of low-commitment, tradeable contract that provides flexibility if the roster shifts mid-season or the team pivots at the deadline. The value equation hinges on durability and consistency — Van Demark isn't a cornerstone-builder, but he won't handcuff the cap or create dead-money risk on the way out, making this a pragmatic use of marginal salary space in a win-now window.