In need of an experienced interior offensive lineman with significant experience at center after Austin Schlottman signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency, the New York Giants on Monday hosted Ryan Bates for a visit.
Bates, 29, is a 6-foot-4, 306-pound player with seven years of NFL experience. He has played in 92 regular-season games with 21 starts for the Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears. Bates joined the Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2019 when Giants GM Joe Schoen was assistant GM there, and spent five seasons in Buffalo.
Bates has experience at every position on the offensive, but has not played tackle since early in his career. He has played 1,089 snaps at right guard, 341 at left guard, and 203 at center. Bates did not play a single offensive snap for the Chicago Bears last season. He was active for 16 games, but played just 82 special teams snaps.
The Giants currently have only 10 offensive linemen under contract.
