The Chicago Bears are close to learning if they’ll have a new offensive lineman on the roster in Buffalo Bills restricted free agent Ryan Bates.
Bates signed his offer sheet from the Bears on March 24, which gave the Bills five days to match Chicago’s offer. Buffalo offered Bates an original round tender of $2.4 million.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott said the team is still working through a decision about whether to match the Bears’ offer sheet. But the deadline is Tuesday, which means we’ll soon have an answer.
Often when a team matches an offer sheet for a restricted free agent, it happens quickly. We’ll see what shakes out with Bates but I imagine the Bears are optimistic they land him.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) March 28, 2022
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Bills won’t be eligible for draft-pick compensation if they don’t march Chicago’s offer, as Buffalo gave him the low tender.
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. Since then, he’s appeared in every game. He also has experience playing both left and right guard.
While Bates has only made four career starts, he’s someone who projects to fill the vacant right guard starting role for Chicago. While there are still questions about who will fill certain positions on the offensive line, Bates would answer the immediate need at guard right now.
Bates was in high demand after visits with the Bears, New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings. Ultimately, he chose to sign with Chicago. But we’ll see if that contract is enough to stave off the Bills.
