The Chicago Bears have engaged in a trade, though it does not involve Justin Fields as of now. On Monday, the Bears reached an agreement with the Bills to acquire offensive lineman Ryan Bates in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2024 draft. Both teams announced the deal on an unspecified date.
The trade is pending completion pending a physical on March 13, coinciding with the official commencement of the 2024 NFL season and the start of free agency and trading at 4 p.m.
Previously, Chicago attempted to sign Bates after the 2021 season, but the Bills matched the offer sheet extended by Bears GM Ryan Poles. Bates, a former Penn State player, has served as a valuable backup for the Bills’ offensive line, appearing in all 17 games last season without starting any. Throughout his tenure with the Bills, the 27-year-old has started in only 19 out of 73 games.
Poles, who is likely to select a quarterback with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is expected to remain active in trade discussions. However, the Bears are reportedly encountering difficulties in finding a satisfactory return for Fields before the upcoming free agency period.