‘The Bills drafted Torrence to start. Connor McGovern just got a contract worth $7.4 million a year to start at guard. That makes Bates the likely odd man out of the starting lineup, even though his spot on the roster is secure due to his versatility and his contract. It might only be a temporary “loss” for Bates. The Bills will face another salary cap crunch in 2024. Center Mitch Morse has two years left on his contract. The Bills could save $8.5 million against the cap by releasing him after the 2023 season. Bates can play center. That’s a long way off. A lot could happen before then. Morse could take a pay cut and stay. Who knows? But Bates is the obvious choice to give way to Torrence this year.’