The Bills will be matching the Bears’ offer sheet on restricted free agent offensive lineman Ryan Bates, meaning that he will not be joining Chicago’s roster. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that the contract will be a four-year deal.
Bates, 25, has played predominantly in a reserve role for Buffalo over the last three seasons. Though he has been active for 41 games in that span, he has only made 4 NFL starts, all of which coming in 2021. While his resume as a starter in the pros is limited, the upside he has displayed in a limited role made him one of the more intriguing restricted free agents in recent memory.