Raiders’ massive signing makes Bills’ Connor McGovern deal look even better

The Buffalo Bills locked in a key component of their core with the announcement that center Connor McGovern would be re-signing with the team. It was one of general manager Brandon Beane’s first moves during this offseason and one of his most critical.

As it turns out, it was also a massive steal, especially given the news of Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum’s signing with the Las Vegas Raiders. This move is a win for the Bills in so many ways.

Bills' re-signing of Connor McGovern looks even better after Raiders' Tyler Linderbuam signing

McGovern’s Deal is That Much Better

Though McGovern is a few years older (28) than Linderbaum (25), the two are among the very best centers in football. Linderbuam had the pedigree (25th overall in 2022) while McGovern (90th overall in 2019) had to prove it on the field.

McGovern’s deal is for four years, $52 million with $32 million guaranteed. That equates to $13 million per season as an annual average value (AAV). Linderbaum’s new deal, meanwhile, will pay him $27 million per season with $60 million of the $81 million contract guaranteed.

The Raiders obviously wanted to upgrade their offensive line but had to pay through the nose to do so. It also doesn’t hurt that it damages the Baltimore Ravens, one of the Bills’ chief competitors, in the process.

Not a Massive Drop Off Compared to Contract Value

Quantifying offensive line stats is a tough thing to do even in this day and age. If you go with PFF, Linderbaum (5th out of 40 centers) is a noticeable upgrade over McGovern (15th out of 40 centers) but the difference is much closer to negligible when you factor in everything.

Linderbaum will likely be good in Las Vegas because he is good, but the rest of the line (and team) is in shambles. McGovern doesn’t have to be elite as a standalone player because he is part of an elite unit.

Another thing worth considering: Linderbaum gave up a lot of pressures, ranking 36th out of 40 centers with 26 pressures allowed in 2025. Compare that to McGovern (16th with 14 total pressures) and suddenly the gap narrows.

The Bills Maintain Continuity

Above all else, the move is a massive win for the Bills because of the continuity in their offensive line. With McGovern back, four of the five starters from a season ago are back. Guard David Edwards is likely too expensive to re-sign, but one of Alec Anderson and Sedrick Van Pran-Granger could take the job and both have been in the system for years.

Most importantly, quarterback Josh Allen has a rapport with McGovern. That familiarity and comfortability – something Linderbaum won’t have in Las Vegas – cannot be overstated.

The Bills got a solid deal in a center market that seems to be commanding more and more attention with each passing day. The Bills being able to lock in a guy they like who has been a staple in the lineup is much better than having to massively overpay for a more name-brand option.