The Chicago Bears don’t appear to be done addressing the offensive line through the first wave of free agency as they’re set to host Buffalo Bills restricted free agent Ryan Bates this week, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
Bates, an undrafted free agent by the Eagles in 2019, was traded to Buffalo later that season. As a rookie, he appeared in just eight games. But he’s been a two-year starter in the years that followed, where he’s played at both left and right guard.
While there are questions about where certain linemen will line up on Chicago’s offensive line, right now the Bears have a hole at right guard. And it’s a hole that Bates would fill.
But Bates has drawn plenty of interest outside of Chicago. He’s already met with the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots before heading to Lake Forest sometime this week.
Not to mention, the Bills offered Bates an original round tender of $2.4 million, which means they can match any contract offer by the Bears or other teams interested in his services, per RFA rules.
Last week, the Bears signed offensive lineman Lucas Patrick to a two-year deal, where he’ll serve as the starting center. Given his experience with new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy in Green Bay, Patrick will be able to help his teammates learn the new system.
