When we look back at the production that Josh Allen had that eventually led to him winning (and earning) his first MVP award, one thing that should be factored into that success was the protection he had upfront. The 2024 Bills offensive line was the best unit that Allen has had in front of him since being drafted by Buffalo in 2018.
Allen was sacked just 14 times in the regular season which is the lowest in his career, which meant that he was able to make the big plays from the pocket rather than have to improvise all the time due to pressure coming at him. One of those players that helped keep Allen clean in the pocket and really stood out as the best lineman for the Bills last year was Connor McGovern, who moved to center after the Bills released Mitch Morse.
McGovern was brought to Buffalo in 2023 and he has shown to be arguably the best pass protector for the Bills in the last two seasons. However, in 2024, McGovern was clearly the best pass protector for Buffalo and it wasn’t close, which is exactly why he, not running back James Cook, should be the next player on the roster to get a contract extension.
OL Connor McGovern must be Bills' next extension candidate, not James Cook
Mason Cameron from Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently ranked the top 32 centers going into 2025 and McGovern is well in the top ten at No. 6 overall. Here’s what Cameron said about McGovern:
"Not only was 2024 McGovern’s best year since joining the Bills, but it was also his best performance as a pro. He earned a 69.5 PFF overall grade, and while he saw improvements as a run blocker, it’s his pass protection that he hangs his hat on. He allowed no sacks this past season and ranks in the 93rd percentile in sack rate over the past three seasons."Mason Cameron, PFF
You can have the best quarterback in the league and he still wouldn’t be able to play like it without a solid offensive line in front of him. McGovern was able to make the switch to center and he was the anchor of the offensive line last season. As he heads into a contract year for the Bills, Brandon Beane needs to make it a priority to make sure he keeps McGovern in Buffalo for the long haul.
Now, I’m not saying that James Cook doesn’t deserve a contract extension because quite frankly, I am one of the believers that believe he should be paid. However, locking down the offensive linemen that helped keep the franchise upright for a majority of last season should be the top priority.