By Kyle Silagyi / Billswire.usatoday.com
The Buffalo Bills added depth to their offensive line via trade Friday, acquiring rookie Ryan Bates from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for defensive end Eli Harold.
The versatile Bates, who signed with the Eagles as a free agent after going unselected in the 2019 NFL Draft, was a 3-year starter at Penn State. He saw time at left tackle, left guard, and right guard throughout his collegiate career, starting 34 games. The Warrington, PA. native also has some experience at center, as well.
Bates brings flexibility to a Bills’ offensive line that’s currently riddled with injuries. Though he’s not a lock to make the 53-man roster, he could ultimately fill the role vacated by the recently released Jeremiah Sirles, a reliable lineman who can be plugged into any position.
Going the other way in the deal is Eli Harold, a defensive end who inked a one-year deal with Buffalo in the offseason. Harold, who has tallied 9 sacks throughout his 4-year career, primarily played at outside linebacker with his previous teams.
The 25-year-old failed to make an impact at defensive end throughout training camp. Given the Bills’ depth at defensive end and need for bodies on the offensive line, the Harold-for-Bates swap makes sense.