Buffalo Rumblinks, 3/5: Bills trade away OL Ryan Bates

Plus, a look at the state of Buffalo’s linebackers

The Buffalo Bills have long valued the versatility offensive lineman Ryan Bates brings to their team, with Bates stepping in and appearing at center and both left and right guard during his time in Buffalo.

But on Monday night, general manager Brandon Beane executed his first deal of the offseason, shipping Bates off to the Chicago Bears in exchange for an early fifth-round draft pick.

Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks examines the Bates trade and the financial ramifications associated with the move.

Bills deal versatile OL Ryan Bates to Bears

In return for Bates, Buffalo will receive a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Bates still needs to pass a physical for the deal to be completed on March 13. Besides dealing away valuable depth along the offensive line, the move means Buffalo will carry a $4.006 million dead cap hit in 2024 while saving $1.433 million on the 2024 salary cap. The deal also means the Bills clear away $5.439 million off the 2025 salary cap.

• Buffalo Bills agree to trade OL Ryan Bates to Chicago Bears for fifth-round draft pick – Buffalo News
• Bills trade Ryan Bates to Bears – WGR 550
• Bears trade for Bills OL Ryan Bates 2 years after trying to sign him – The Athletic (subscription required)
• Buffalo Bills trade versatile OL Ryan Bates to Chicago Bears for 2024 draft pick – newyorkupstate.com
• Bills agree to terms to trade Ryan Bates to Chicago for a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft – BuffaloBills.com

Report: Bills releasing RB Nyheim Hines

According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Buffalo Bills are expected to release running back Nyheim Hines, who missed the entire 2023 NFL season after suffering an injury in a jet ski incident.

• Buffalo Bills to release Nyheim Hines. How much will team save in cap space? – newyorkupstate.com
• Report: Bills to release running back Nyheim Hines – WGR 550

State of the linebackers

Unlike last offseason — when there were plenty of questions about Buffalo’s linebackers, especially the middle linebacker spot with the departure of Tremaine Edmunds — the Bills enter this offseason knowing who their two starting linebackers are: All-Pro Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard. Catch up further on the state of Buffalo’s linebackers, including the development of Dorian Williams and Tyrel Dodson’s impending free agency.

• Capaccio: 2024 State of the Bills: Linebacker – WGR 550
• Bills in Review, linebackers: Matt Milano’s return, Dorian Williams’ development ahead – The Athletic (subscription required)

Even more Bills News

How general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott are facing new challenges heading into their eighth season together leading the Bills, see why Buffalo could “swoop in” and make a play for New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, and a run through the potential backup quarterback options for the Bills to consider.

• Bills’ McDermott, Beane face new challenges in 8th season – ESPN.com Buffalo Bills blog
• Buffalo Bills could ‘swoop in’ for wide receiver from division rival in free agency (report) – newyorkupstate.com
• The Bills need a quarterback to back up Josh Allen in 2024. Here are some options – Democrat & Chronicle

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