Instant analysis: Chicago Bears trade for OL Ryan Bates, sending fifth-round pick to Buffalo

The Chicago Bears traded for veteran offensive lineman Ryan Bates on Monday night, sending a 2024 fifth-round pick to Buffalo in the deal.

The team announced the move on Monday night.

Bates went undrafted in 2019 out of Penn State and initially signed with the Eagles before being traded to the Bills. While in Buffalo, Bates started in 19 games and played 1,434 total snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-foot-4, 302-pound offensive lineman has only allowed one sack, eight quarterback hits and has been penalized six times.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles actually attempted to sign the now 27-year-old offensive lineman during free agency in 2022, but the Bills matched his offer sheet.

Throughout his five seasons with Buffalo, Bates has played all over the offensive line, but the majority of his work has come at right guard.

Here are the snap counts, according to PFF:

• Left Tackle: 95 snaps
• Left Guard: 214 snaps
• Center: 203 snaps
• Right Guard: 843 snaps
• Right Tackle: 29 snaps

In 2022, Bates played 1,082 total snaps in the regular season and postseason due to a fluctuating offensive line that featured six different combinations, according Ryan O’Halloran of The Buffalo News.

This past season, Bates only played 35 total snaps and they all came at the center spot. The Bills had just one O-line combination in 2023. According to Chris Seth of Cover 1, the Bills’ starting unit that consisted of Dion Dawkins, Connor McGovern, Mitch Morse, O’Cyrus Torrence and Spencer Brown played 835 snaps together, which was the most snaps of any offensive line group in the NFL.

The Bears desperately need an upgrade at center after receiving inconsistent play from Lucas Patrick, who is currently an unrestricted free agent, and Cody Whitehair, who was released from the team on Feb. 15.

It’s far too early to make a definitive claim that Bates will be the starting center for Chicago in 2024. Only 214 of his 1,434 total offensive snaps have been at a position that has been a constant issue for the Bears.

Right now, it appears Poles added a versatile offensive lineman who can provide depth to the interior of the O-line.

With the Bears likely adding a rookie quarterback in the upcoming draft, it wouldn’t be surprising at all if Poles continues to add to the offensive line, especially at the center position.

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