Buffalo Bills 2022 Free Agency Grade: Ryan Bates
The Buffalo Bills had already lost a number of free agents this offseason like Levi Wallace, Mitchell Trubisky, and Harrison Phillips. One player that was going to be interesting to watch was Ryan Bates, who had been a backup for a few years but got a chance to start towards the end of the season at guard.
Unlike Wallace, Trubisky, and Phillips, the Bills were going to have a chance to match any offer Bates got as he was a restricted free agent. This exact scenario played out as Bates signed an offer sheet with the Chicago Bears that was a four-year deal.
The Bills felt Bates was too valuable to lose for this offensive line and matched that offer that brought him back. Let’s take a look at what Bates brings to this team and the contract signed to come to a final grade for this move.
What does Ryan Bates bring to the Buffalo Bills?
The Buffalo Bills traded for Ryan Bates before the 2019 season and over the past two years, Bates has brought great versatility as a backup offensive lineman. He could basically play every position along the line from tackle to guard to center.
This past season, Bates finally got a chance what he could do as a starter and would start the final four games of the regular season after numerous injuries at the guard position. He would also start both playoff games and moving into 2022, Bates should be viewed as a favorite for the starting guard position.
Contract
According to Spotrac, the contract that the Buffalo Bills signed Ryan Bates was a four-year deal worth $17 million. However, the way the contract is structured does give the Bills a potential out after two years with dead cap of only $1.75 million.
Final Grade: B+
If the Buffalo Bills believe that Ryan Bates can remain the starter at guard for the next few seasons, this is a great deal for a starting caliber guard. However, if Buffalo continues to believe that Bates is a versatile backup, then this would lower the grade.
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In the end, the Bills addressed a need with a player they know well and who has proven that he can start for this offense. It is hard to find the negative for a deal like that.