The Chicago Bears agreed to terms with the Buffalo Bills to acquire offensive lineman Ryan Bates. The trade won’t be official until the start of the new league year on March 13 at 3 p.m. CT.
The Bears sent a 2024 fifth-round pick to the Bills for Bates, as general manager Ryan Poles finally landed his guy. Chicago signed Bates to an offer sheet back in March 2022, when he was a restricted free agent, but Buffalo matched giving Bates a four-year, $17 million contract.
But how does the move impact the Bears’ draft picks?
After dealing their second-rounder to Washington, Chicago now has five draft selections in the 2024 NFL draft, including two top-10 picks.
Here’s an updated look at the Bears’ 2024 draft picks, per Tankathon:
- No. 1 overall (from Panthers) (first round)
- No. 9 overall (first round)
- No. 75 overall (third round)
- No. 111 (fourth round)
- No. 123 (from Eagles) (fourth round)
Center was a huge need for this roster with Lucas Patrick and Dan Feeney hitting free agency. The Bears were expected to add a veteran center in free agency, and they very well still might. He has versatility playing right guard and center, although most of his experience comes at guard.