The Buffalo Bills have had an interesting offseason so far, and free agency has yet to even begin. Trades and cuts have already made an impact, and now the Bills have retained one of their most critical players. Center Connor McGovern was set to hit the market alongside LG David Edwards, but remains with the Bills instead.
Connor McGovern's Contract
The new deal, totaling $52m over four years, makes McGovern one of the NFL's highest-paid centers. It features $32 million in guarantees, and secures Josh Allen's pre-snap partner until 2030. It's a major deal, and adds a substantial hit to the salary cap. Connor McGovern will instantly become the 3rd highest paid middle man in the league.
It's a sharp move, but any starting center would total a huge cost in Free Agency this offseason. The market is dry, and impending free agent Tyler Linderbaum will naturally reset the market with his upcoming contract. Getting it done now, instead of later, will secure one of the NFL's most effective run games and allow consistency to a Bills offense that will see great changes in 2026.
There had been a cheaper alternative in place, with Sedrick Van Pran-Granger in the alley waiting to take center-stage. It seems the Buffalo Bills elected to go with what they knew, and made McGovern one the premium linemen league-wide.
Josh Allen and James Cook should be happy
The benefit to keeping Connor McGovern doesn't just lie in familiarity, but effectiveness. He was a powerhouse since moving to centre from guard just two seasons ago. His communication pre-snap with Josh Allen has made for one of the most effective duo's in the NFL. His work in the run game has allowed James Cook to become a formidable interior rusher; Something he wasn't known for in college or as a rookie.
Goodbye David Edwards
Unfortunately, in keeping Connor McGovern on this new contract, the Buffalo Bills will likely depart from left guard David Edwards. He was an effective part of the unit, but they cannot afford to keep spending on offensive linemen with the repairs needed on defense and to the wide receiver core. The stud LG will likely become highly-coveted, and unaffordable to the Bills.
The 2026 NFL Draft class has plenty of physical young linemen for the Bills to sift through, and there are cheaper options in free agency too. Perhaps the answer there is already on the roster. Regardless, with the center situation resolved, things get much clearer for the Bills, and for Josh Allen.