The Chicago Bears are coming off one of their most promising seasons in recent memory - a year that finally gave fans a glimpse of what a well-structured rebuild can look like under general manager Ryan Poles. But even with the arrow pointing up, the work is far from over. The offseason checklist is long, and one item that should be near the top: moving on from offensive lineman Ryan Bates.
Let’s rewind to March 2024. The Bears acquired Bates from the Buffalo Bills, hoping to bolster their offensive line ahead of what was expected to be the arrival of their franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams.
On paper, it made sense. Bates brought playoff experience, toughness, and familiarity with cold-weather football - all traits that should’ve translated well to Chicago.
But sometimes, the fit just doesn’t work.
Bates’ Chicago stint never gained traction
Since landing in Chicago, Bates has struggled to stay on the field. He started just two games and was sidelined for much of his time with the team due to a string of injuries - most notably shoulder issues and concussions.
The durability concerns that were a mild red flag during the trade quickly became a full-blown issue. Instead of anchoring the interior line, Bates became more of a roster question mark.
Despite the setbacks, the Bears kept him around through the 2025 offseason, even as they made major moves to reinforce the offensive front. In March 2025, Chicago added Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson - three proven interior linemen who immediately reshaped the depth chart.
With those additions, Bates shifted into a backup role, but even that came with uncertainty. He bounced on and off the injured reserve list throughout the 2025 season and didn’t start a single game.
According to Over the Cap, he earned $3.4 million during the year - a hefty price tag for a player who couldn’t contribute consistently.
Looking ahead: Time to turn the page
Now, Bates is set to hit free agency in March. And for the Bears, the decision should be straightforward: it’s time to let him walk.
This isn’t about writing off a player who faced tough injury luck. It’s about maximizing roster spots and cap space on a team that’s inching closer to contention.
With veterans like Thuney leading the offensive line, the Bears are in a prime position to develop a younger lineman in that backup role - someone who can grow into a contributor rather than simply hold a spot. Alternatively, that roster slot could go toward bolstering a different area of need, such as defensive end.
Ryan Poles has made plenty of strong moves since taking over as GM in 2022. But not every trade is going to be a home run.
The Bates deal, much like the Chase Claypool trade, just didn’t pan out. That’s part of the business.
The key is knowing when to pivot, and this is one of those moments.
As for Bates, a fresh start could be exactly what he needs. He’s still just 29 and has shown flashes of being a solid contributor when healthy.
Whether that next chapter comes with his hometown team or elsewhere, he’ll have a chance to reset. But in Chicago, the writing’s on the wall - it’s time for the Bears to move forward.