The Chicago Bears are set to execute a trade with the Buffalo Bills for an offensive lineman. The trade should be a big help for their quarterback next season. After releasing Cody earlier in the offseason, the Bears needed interior offensive line help.
The Chicago Bears made a trade
Per a statement by the Bears, the team traded for Ryan Bates:
The Bears on Monday bolstered their offensive line by agreeing to terms on a trade with the Bills that brings offensive lineman Ryan Bates to Chicago in exchange for a 2024 fifth-round pick.
The trade cannot become official until the new league year begins at 3 p.m. (CT) Wednesday, March 13, and after Bates passes a physical.
Bates, 27, has appeared in 73 regular-season games with 19 starts through five seasons in Buffalo. He has also played in nine playoff games during his career with four starts.
The Bears have wanted Ryan Bates for a while
The Bears tried to sign Bates in the 2022 offseason. However, the Bills outbid the Bears’ offer on Bates’ restricted free agency contract.
Now the Bears are adding Bates after waiting two seasons for his interior line help. Bates played both center and guard in Buffalo.
Caleb Williams should benefit from the trade
Bates could be a big help to rookie quarterback Caleb Williams should the Bears draft him as expected in April. The veteran offensive lineman could serve as a center to start the season.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles was expected to add a veteran interior offensive lineman via free agency or trade. The Bears are expected to add a center in the draft.
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