Bills lineman intends to sign with the Bears!!
According to Bears reporter Brad Biggs the Chicago Bears are on the verge are agreeing to terms with restricted free agent offensive lineman Ryan Bates. When they do agree, the Bills will have 5 days to match the contract offer from GM Ryan Poles. If they don't he will officially be a member of the Bears!
Bates is only 25 and played in all 17 games for the Bills last year. He showed great promise and versatility playing both guard spots and could fit right in. The advanced metrics show that he is technically sound and could benefit from an increased snap count. Last season, he played 294 snaps and allowed 0 sacks and only had 1 penalty. This is seriously great stuff!
While some fans could be concerned because of the lack of experience Bates has, I don't mind at all. The main reason he did not start that many games is because of the overflow of talent on the Bills roster. Bates could be the long-term answer at right guard for the Bears.
He would be a great, young signing for Chicago's team. Let's just hope Ryan Poles is able to offer him a contract that the Bills are not able or willing to match! It is important to mention that the Bills are one of the teams with the least cap space per OvertheCap.com. The number is changing daily but they are currently $24,120 under the cap. It's not impossible that they match Bates' offer, but I think it is unlikely.
Tape review:
| POLL | ||
24 MARS | 186 ANSWERS Bills lineman intends to sign with the Bears!! Would Ryan Bates's signing be the best one yet from Ryan Poles | ||
| Yes | 170 | 91.4 % |
| No | 16 | 8.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
