The Chicago Bears are hosting offensive lineman Ryan Bates at Halas Hall on Tuesday, where they could strengthen their offensive line with his addition.
Bates, 25, was an undrafted free agent by the Eagles in 2019 before being 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.
As you can imagine, a young offensive lineman with starting experience like Bates is in high demand. He’s visited with the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings last week.
While the alignment of Chicago’s offensive line remains a question, right now there’s a hole at right guard. And Bates would be a fantastic grab for general manager Ryan Poles.
Bates is scheduled to begin his visit with the #Bears on Tuesday.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 22, 2022
But it’s easier said than done with restricted free agents. Not only would the Bears have to offer more than the Vikings and Patriots (if they did make an offer), but they’d have to make an offer the Bills would have to refuse.
Buffalo 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.
Bates doesn’t have any other known meetings set up, at this time, which means the Bears have a chance to lock Bates down with an offer that the Bills won’t be willing to match.
