The Bears plan to sign Bills restricted free agent guard Ryan Bates to an offer sheet, the Sun-Times has confirmed. The Bills will have five days to match it or allow Bates to sign with the Bears.
The 6-4, 302-pound Bates would be the third offensive lineman Bears general manager Ryan Poles has signed in free agency. Previously, he signed Packers center Lucas Patrick to a two-year, $8 million contract and Vikings guard Dakota Dozier to a one-year contract.
Bates, 25, would likely get first shot at a starting guard position — and a good early test of Poles’ ability to project offensive linemen.