The Bills are tight against the salary cap after the addition of pass rusher Von Miller, so the Bears, Vikings, Patriots or aother team could make it challenging for them to match a front-loaded offer. The Patriots got a good look at Bates as two of his regular-season starts came against them. Poles saw him in the divisional-round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs. If Bates gets multiple offers, his fit and comfort with the situation could drive his decision.
