BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Bills have traded offensive lineman to the Chicago Bears for a 5th round pick in April’s draft, the team announced Monday night.
Bates, 27, had been with the Bills since 2019 and appeared in 73 games, making 19 starts. He appeared in all 17 of the Bills’ regular season games during the 2023 season and both of the playoff games, despite playing only 35 total offensive snaps. He started every game in 2022.
Bates almost went to Chicago in 2022. He signed with the Bears as a restricted free agent, but the Bills matched the four-year, $17 million deal, which brought him back to Buffalo.
The Bills now have 10 picks in April’s draft, including seven in the fifth round or later.
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Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.