Despite the Chicago Bears having one of their best seasons in recent memory, there is still work to do in retooling the roster for next season. One task that should be on general manager Ryan Poles' agenda is not re-signing offensive lineman Ryan Bates.
When the Bears acquired Bates in March 2024 from the Buffalo Bills, the motivation was to bring in a mauler up front who could protect soon-to-be Bears franchise quarterback Caleb Williams. Despite a few injury concerns coming into the trade, it seemed like a solid move.
Bates was arriving in the Windy City with a few playoff games under his belt, could help create a winning culture, and was accustomed to playing football in the bitter cold. Unfortunately, for both parties, this trade appears to be an afterthought.
Ryan Bates has not lived up to expectations in Chicago
Since joining the team, Bates has spent the bulk of his tenure on the sidelines, starting just two games. Injuries piled on quickly for Bates as he suffered shoulder injuries and concussions. These struggles led to Bates quickly becoming a cut candidate for the Bears.
Bates remained with the team as they closed deals for interior linemen Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson in March 2025. Bates's role with the team changed, and he became a key depth player rather than a projected starter. As he continued to battle injuries, Bates was in and out of the injury reserve list during his final year with the team. During the 2025 season, Bates didn't start any games and was paid $3.4 million, according to Over the Cap.
Now, Bates is scheduled to become a free agent when the new NFL season ramps up in March. The Bears should let him walk and utilize that roster spot for a young lineman who can learn the game under Thuney, or a team need, such as a defensive end. There's no doubt Poles has turned the Bears around since becoming general manager in 2022. But the Bates trade is one of his below-average trades, along with the ill-fated Chase Claypool trade.
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It will be interesting to see where Bates lands next. One prospect is the Philadelphia Eagles, his hometown team, due to rumors that Pro Bowl guard Landon Dickerson is considering retirement.