In this series, we look back at the biggest moves from a year ago and review how they have panned out up to this point.
Last offseason, Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears made plenty of moves hoping to set up the franchise for years to come. In this series, we will take a look in the rearview mirror to analyze how those moves have panned out.
First up in the series is offensive lineman Ryan Bates.
On Monday, March 4th, 2024, the Chicago Bears agreed to terms with the Buffalo Bills to acquire offensive lineman Ryan Bates in exchange for a 2024 fifth-round draft pick. This was after Poles attempted to sign Ryan Bates previously, but the Bills matched their offer to keep the former Penn State alum.
Clearly, Bates has been the apple of the Poles’ eye. But did it pan out?
Not so much. In a season ravaged by injuries up front for Chicago, Bates played in just three games, starting in 2. Brought in to compete with Coleman Shelton for the starting Center or solidify one of the Guard spots, Bates did neither, and Poles eventually made three separate moves this off-season to address the instability on the interior of the Bears’ offensive line.
Bates should have the inside track to become the team’s first interior depth piece off the bench, but with just a $500,000 dead cap hit if he is released, don’t be surprised if Bates is not even on the roster for the 2025 season.
Hopefully, Poles’ recent moves are better than this one.