Ryan Bates, OL
Poles really wanted Ryan Bates on the Chicago Bears roster. He signed him to an offer sheet in 2022 but the Buffalo Bills matched it. Then, last offseason, Poles went back to the Bills and pulled off a trade to acquire Bates. Poles gave up a fourth round pick to get it done.
Bates plays both guard and center. He came to Chicago to take over the center position, though. Poles felt that Bates could solidify the middle of the line. Things did not work out that way, however.
Injuries derailed Bates’ season. He had to be places on injured reserve twice during the season. Even when he was healthy enough to play, he struggled. He just was not able to get into good form. As a result, Poles went out and made the moves he did.
Now, if Bates makes the team, he will do it as a reserve. He won’t even be considered at center. He is listed as the backup guard to Jackson. That could change, however. The Bears drafted Ozzy Trapilo to compete against Braxton Jones at left tackle.
Trapilo can end up being the swing tackle backup. That could end up moving second-year lineman Kiran Amegadjie inside. If Amegadjie becomes a backup guard he could easily supplant Bates. That means Bates needs to have a big training camp/preseason to make the roster.
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