The Chicago Bears introduced new offensive lineman Lucas Patrick on Friday at Halas Hall, and they are preparing to host another player who could serve as protection for quarterback Justin Fields.
Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Ryan Bates is expected to visit the team as a restricted free agent, league sources said.
Bates met with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night and will visit the New England Patriots on Friday before traveling to Lake Forest, likely next week.
Bates, 25, made four starts for the Bills last season and two more in the playoffs. The Bills tendered Bates at the low level of $2.433 million and will have the right of first refusal if he signs an offer sheet. The Bills have signed veteran guard Rodger Saffold but like the versatility Bates gave them since acquiring him in a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019 after he entered the league as a free agent.
General manager Ryan Poles has pledged to upgrade the offensive line, and Patrick said Friday that he believes the team intends to play him at center after he signed a two-year, $8 million contract. Patrick played center and guard for the Packers.
The Bears need to replace right guard James Daniels, who left for the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, and have to determine a plan at left tackle. Adding Bates would give them a potential starter at guard. Assistant general manager Ian Cunningham was with the Eagles when Bates signed, so he likely can provide background.
The Bills are tight against the salary cap after the addition of pass rusher Von Miller, so the Bears, Vikings, Patriots or aother team could make it challenging for them to match a front-loaded offer. The Patriots got a good look at Bates as two of his regular-season starts came against them. Poles saw him in the divisional-round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs. If Bates gets multiple offers, his fit and comfort with the situation could drive his decision.
Because Bates only has four regular-season starts, he probably won’t get a contract that turns heads but can certainly improve on the RFA tender amount. Considering his age, if he wants to bet on himself, he might shoot for a two-year contract to get more experience, show what he can do and get back to the negotiating table in 2024.
The last time the Bears were involved with a restricted freeagent changing teams was in 2018, when wide receiver Cameron Meredith signed an offer sheet with the New Orleans Saints that they didn’t match. The Bears signed Saints tight end Josh Hill to an offer sheet in 2016, but New Orleans matched it.
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