One of the players Ryan Poles was anxious to get in a Chicago Bears uniform since the day he took over as the team's general manager was offensive lineman Ryan Bates.
After signing Bates to an offer sheet in 2022, Poles and the Bears lost out on their offensive line target when the Buffalo Bills decided to match the offer. Fast-forward to last offseason, and the Bears traded a fifth-round pick to the Bills to acquire Bates.
After being acquired by the Bears, there was an expectation that Bates would serve as the team's starting center last season. However, an injury during Training Camp derailed Bates' first season with the Bears before it ever got started. Coleman Shelton served as the Bears' starting center for most of the season, and due to various injuries, Bates was limited to three games played with the Bears last season.
Given that Bates was barely on the field for the Bears last season, fans may have forgotten that he was still on he roster. However, with OTA practices starting this past Tuesday and Wednesday for the Bears, fans were given that reminder because of the reported absences. Bates was among the players who did not report to OTAs this week for the Bears. Of course, it's important to remember that we are still in the voluntary portion of the Bears' offseason program.
Ryan Bates still has value on the Chicago Bears' roster
In an offseason where the Bears have dramatically improved their offensive line, adding at least three new starting offensive linemen, Bates won't be counted on this season as a starter. Having said that, behind Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson, the Bears are thin when it comes to their interior offensive line depth. That figures to be where Bates will have the most importance for the Bears this season, providing depth at both guard positions as well as at center.
Bates could be viewed as a cap casualty during Pre-Season. If Bates is designated as a post-June 1 release, the Bears are in line to save $3.5MM. Saving that could come into play if the Bears want to target another edge rusher or running back.