In a move aimed at bolstering their offensive line, the Chicago Bears have landed guard/center Ryan Bates from the Buffalo Bills. The deal, which is contingent upon Bates passing a physical, was agreed upon on Monday and will be made official when the new league year begins on March 13.

At 71 years old, Bates brings a wealth of experience to the Bears, having played both guard and center throughout his career. The team envisions him as a potential starting center, alongside Teven Jenkins at left guard and Nate Davis at right guard.

Bates was originally targeted by Bears general manager Ryan Poles as a free agent when he took over the position in 2022. However, he was a restricted free agent at the time, and the Bills matched the Bears' offer sheet to retain him on a lucrative four-year, $17 million deal.

Last season, Bates played in all 17 games for the Bills, primarily in a reserve role. Over his five seasons with the team, he appeared in 73 games and started in 19 of them. His versatility and ability to contribute in various positions on the offensive line will undoubtedly prove valuable to the Bears.

The acquisition of Bates comes at a cost for the Bears, as they had to part ways with a 2024 fifth-round pick in the trade. With this move, the Bears now find themselves with five draft picks in the upcoming draft: two in the first round (Nos. 1 and 9), a third-rounder (No. 75 overall), and two fourth-rounders.

As the Bears gear up for the new season, the addition of Ryan Bates is expected to solidify their offensive line and provide stability upfront. With Bates' experience and proven track record, Bears fans can be hopeful that their team's investment will pay off on the field.