Free agent center Ryan Bates visits Giants The New York Giants extended an invitation to free agent center Ryan Bates for a visit on Monday, as the team looks to add depth to its offensive line. Bates, 29, is entering his third season as a free agent after spending the past two years with the Chicago Bears. The Giants are seeking a reliable backup to starter John Michael Schmitz Jr., who has been a key contributor for the team. Bates began his NFL career in 2019 with the Buffalo Bills, where he spent five seasons. During his time with the Bills, he appeared in 73 games, starting 19 of them. His most productive season came in 2022, when he started 15 games at left guard. After leaving the Bills, Bates was acquired by the Bears in 2024 in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. In his two seasons with the Bears, Bates played in 19 games, starting two of them. However, his tenure with the team was marked by injury challenges. He spent two stints on injured reserve during the 2024 season, first due to shoulder and elbow issues early in the year and later after sustaining a concussion toward the end of the season. Despite these setbacks, Bates has remained a consistent presence on the field when healthy, and his experience could make him an attractive option for the Giants as they prepare for the upcoming season.#buffalo_bills #chicago_bears #new_york_giants #ryan_bates #john_michael_schmitz_jr
