As we draw closer to the beginning of NFL free agency, one important player on the Buffalo Bills' offensive line still has no word on his contract. It leads him to believe he may not see his name on this season's roster.
One of the team's most important players, center Connor McGovern, shared with The Athletic that the Bills' front office has not yet notified him and/or his agent since departing from Orchard Park after the 2025 season ended.
Could Bills' brass be done with C Connor McGovern?
"They haven't contacted me once," McGovern told The Athletic. "In my gut, that says it's over and done."
The Bills have a minor salary cap issue and may not have the resources to re-sign the talented, reliable center. As for teammate and pending free agent left guard David Edwards, he may be worth keeping rather than paying both players at their respective market values.
McGovern's market value is $16.3 million, which is high for a center. Still, the center market in free agency is so valuable that they could replace him with a higher-value player at a lower cap hit, thereby reinforcing the team's flexibility. Edwards, meanwhile, has a better market value at $19.9 million, and he's a guard.
"It is a business," McGovern added. "I'm never going to take it personally. I want to be back in Buffalo, and I know they want me back. But sometimes you've got to look in the mirror and be realistic. Could we sacrifice money at one spot or maybe draft somebody younger to save some money? The reality is they're up against the cap."
McGovern didn't know it at the time, as he wanted to know his current value to the NFL. After all, the Cowboys let him walk in 2023 to save cap room. But after playing for the Bills for an additional three years, he now sees that he's worth every penny.
He has made an estimated $28 million during his stay in Orchard Park, and has now realized how much he embraces living in Western New York.
Connor McGovern’s rise leaves Bills facing unintended consequence
"It's a big shakeup, but a lot of the pieces are in place," McGovern said about the firing of Sean McDermott. "Even if they don't have Aaron Kromer anymore, his presence is still there. It's very hard to replace him, but that O-line is going to be in a great spot no matter what."
Despite being caught off guard when the Bills decided to pull the plug on former head coach Sean McDermott, the new coaching staff hasn't and won't scare McGovern away from re-signing in Orchard Park.
Offensive line coach Aaron Kromer retired, opening the door for new offensive line coach Pat Meyer. Kept alongside him is assistant offensive line coach Austin Gund to maintain continuity within the team.
"The first thing Aaron Kromer said to me when I got to the Bills was, 'My job is to make you the best player so that when your contract is up here, that the Buffalo Bills can't afford you.' That's what he tells everyone. That's his goal." McGovern said.
"He was true to his word."
Overall, the 28-year-old has been a durable starting center for the Bills in his past three seasons. McGovern has also been effective in helping the rest of the o-line succeed in helping quarterback Josh Allen convert the Tush Push.
Should Buffalo let McGovern walk, they would be replacing three seasons of durability and consistent play with a well-respected player on the Bills and across the NFL. Other teams would gain a valuable center in one of the most important positions on the o-line.