Shock Roster Shake-Up: Bears Projected to Cut Veteran OL Ryan Bates Just One Year After Trade, per The Athletic — Front Office Moves Signal Full Offensive Line Rebuild Ahead of Caleb Williams Era
Shock Roster Shake-Up: Bears Projected to Cut Veteran OL Ryan Bates Just One Year After Trade, per The Athletic — Front Office Moves Signal Full Offensive Line Rebuild Ahead of Caleb Williams Era
CHICAGO — In a surprising development that underscores the Chicago Bears’ aggressive offseason overhaul, veteran offensive lineman Ryan Bates—acquired via trade just last year—is now projected to be released before the 2025 season begins, according to The Athletic’s NFL insiders Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns.
Bates, who was once viewed as a versatile and dependable interior lineman, was brought in from Buffalo with hopes of stabilizing a struggling offensive line. But after a flurry of offseason moves—including the acquisitions of Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman, along with rookie standout Ozzy Trapilo—his role on the 53-man roster has become increasingly uncertain.
Bates’ looming exit highlights just how dramatically the Bears are reshaping their protection unit in preparation for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After years of offensive line instability, General Manager Ryan Poles appears committed to building a stronger, faster, and younger front five.
The Bears’ revamped O-line now includes:
Joe Thuney (former All-Pro from the Chiefs)
Jonah Jackson (steady starter from Detroit)
Drew Dalman (smart, agile center from Atlanta)
Darnell Wright (returning second-year tackle)
Braxton Jones and rookies competing for swing spots
Bates, 27, still has value across the league due to his positional versatility, but with limited cap space and a crowded depth chart, Chicago may opt to release or trade him ahead of final cuts.
If released, Bates would join a growing list of veteran players being phased out as the Bears charge into a new era, placing their full trust in a rebuilt offense designed to protect their franchise quarterback and ignite a long-awaited resurgence.
Stay tuned