Just last week, Buffalo Bills fans were sparked with worry that the offense would have to replace two interior offensive linemen. Left guard David Edwards was never really expected back, but center Connor McGovern said himself that he was worried his time in Buffalo was over after not hearing back from the front office after the season.
Luckily, on Saturday, the Bills and McGovern agreed to terms on a new four-year contract worth $52 million, keeping a crucial piece of the Bills' highly regarded offensive line in place.
On Tuesday, McGovern addressed the media for the first time since signing his deal and laid out how quickly the process changed from potentially taking his talents elsewhere to sticking with the place where he and his family wanted to be.
Connor McGovern details sudden contract breakthrough with Buffalo Bills
“Literally, so, all of last year we were in talks. Tabled it, had a great exit interview, kind of talking we were on the same page, Beane was going to let us test free agency. And then things all of a sudden in the last couple of days, really, changed, and we hit a number that we were very happy with, my family and I, and we’re just happy to be back in Buffalo,” McGovern said.
The 28-year-old center also credited his quarterback, Josh Allen, for his part in working with both sides to keep McGovern in the lineup.
"Doesn't hurt to have 17 in your corner," he said.
McGovern was asked if he gave Buffalo a hometown discount of sorts after watching Tyler Linderbuam reset the center market with the Las Vegas Raiders. He didn’t see it that way, reasoning that he and his family agreed that chasing a few extra million wouldn’t be worth it if staying in Buffalo was on the table.
Even if McGovern was missing his patented mustache, it was a great feeling for Bills Mafia to see him smiling throughout his 11-minute press conference as he expressed his joy in sticking around in Buffalo.
Of course, things will be slightly different in 2026, as Pat Meyer takes over for Adam Kromer as the offensive line coach, Joe Brady takes over as head coach, and a new left guard will slot in next to him on the offensive line. Nonetheless, McGovern expressed excitement for each of those new challenges as he looks forward to his seventh NFL season.
All in all, the Bills preserved continuity at a key spot and appeared to give an extra jolt to one of their core leaders. Re-signing McGovern almost seemed out of reach, but now that he’s satisfied with a new contract in the place he clearly wanted to be, the Bills can continue their efforts to build a roster around him and Allen that can help get them closer to their ultimate goal of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.