The Chicago Bears have been busy shoring up important needs on offense for incoming rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, which included the additions of wide receiver Keenan Allen, running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett.
General manager Ryan Poles said the lack of flexibility along the interior offensive line was something that bothered him for a long time. Which is why Chicago also made a couple of swings along the offensive interior this offseason.
The Bears traded a fifth-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for Ryan Bates, who Poles signed to an offer sheet in 2022 before Buffalo matched it. Bates, who served primarily as a guard, also has experience at center giving Poles that versatility he desired.
“With Bates coming in, I feel like we’ve created some depth there and versatility,” Poles said, via The Athletic. “It’s something that’s really bothered me for a long time, just in terms of the lack of flexibility we’ve had in the past, it stresses you out from week to week. I feel like we have more versatility now and competition.”
That competition involves fellow newcomer Coleman Shelton, who was signed during free agency to battle for the starting center job.
While there are questions along the entire interior — as Teven Jenkins has yet to play an entire season and Nate Davis’ first-year struggles in Chicago — center was the one glaring hole. And, until the Bears get production from the position, it will continue to be the biggest concern.
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