Just like the last two offseason, the Chicago Bears have been part of the first trade of the offseason. This time, Ryan Poles and the Bears sent a 2024 fifth-round selection to the Buffalo Bills for guard/center, Ryan Bates.
Chicago and Bates agreed to an offer in 2022, but Buffalo matched the offer and retained Bates. The Bears' original deal with Bates wound up being for four years, $17 million. Ultimately, Ryan Poles was able to get a player he wanted in the past.
In his career, Bates has played all five positions on the offensive line and will not be a liability if the Bears need him to step in. Bates has started 19 games in his NFL career, playing mostly guard and center for the Bills. Bates was mostly the backup center in Buffalo for the 2023 season, only playing 35 snaps.
After cutting Cody Whitehair and letting Lucas Patrick hit the open market, Chicago is thin at center, with this being a way for the team to guarantee they have a trustworthy option if necessary.
Expect Chicago to still attempt and sign a veteran or draft a center in April.
Chicago’s remaining picks:
Round 1 (pick 1): via Carolina
Round 1 (pick 9)
Round 3 (pick 75)
Round 4 (pick 111)
Round 4 (pick 123): via Philadelphia
Chicago can still add more picks in a loaded 2024 class by trading Justin Fields or the ninth overall selection.
I wouldn’t expect Ryan Poles to be comfortable with only five picks.
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