Just before free agency opens next week, the Chicago Bears acquired a player via trade from the Buffalo Bills. The Bills said on Monday night that they would be trading offensive lineman Ryan Bates to the Chicago Bears for a fifth-round selection.
This transaction is awaiting Bates’ physical examination, and it cannot be finalized until the New League Year on March 13. The Bears made an intriguing attempt to sign Bates over the summer when Buffalo placed the interior offensive lineman on a restricted tender.
Bills announce trading of Ryan Bates
Buffalo, however, matched the offer, which included a four-year contract. The Bears now acquire Bates as part of the original agreement. On their official website, Bills GM said,
“We kind of pondered that, worked through it,” “We were tight on the cap, but we decided to bring Ryan back. It’s really important for us to be strong up front. Ryan’s a versatile player. He can actually play all five spots. But most importantly he’s been a center-guard when he’s filled in and we thought when he had his opportunity this year he did a heck of a job starting the last four regular season and then the two postseason games. It didn’t seem too big for him.”