Chicago Bears Acquire Offensive Lineman Ryan Bates from Buffalo Bills in Trade Deal

The Chicago Bears have made a strategic move to bolster their offensive line, announcing a trade deal with the Buffalo Bills on Monday to acquire veteran offensive lineman Ryan Bates.

Bates, a product of Penn State, has been a steady presence in the NFL, showcasing his skills and versatility over five seasons with the Bills.

The trade agreement is set to be finalized on March 13, pending the completion of a physical examination to ensure Bates’ readiness to join the Bears.

During his tenure with Buffalo, Bates has played in a total of 73 regular-season games, starting in 19 of them. Additionally, he has contributed to nine playoff matchups, boasting significant experience in high-stakes games.

After going undrafted in 2019, Bates embarked on his NFL journey by signing with the Philadelphia Eagles before ultimately finding a home with the Bills in August of the same year.

His impact was evident in the 2021 season when he made his first career start in Week 4, eventually cementing his role as a key contributor with starts in both regular-season and playoff games.

In the 2022 season, Bates played a pivotal role, starting all 17 games he appeared in, including playoff outings, showcasing his reliability and durability on the field.

Throughout the 2023 campaign, Bates continued to be a valuable asset for the Bills, participating in all 17 regular-season games and maintaining his consistency in the postseason.

The Bears previously made an attempt to acquire Bates in March 2022, presenting him with a lucrative four-year offer sheet. However, the Bills opted to match the offer, retaining the talented lineman for another season before ultimately agreeing to the trade deal with Chicago.