The Buffalo Bills are staring down a pivotal offseason, and the heart of it lies in the trenches. Two of their most dependable interior linemen-center Connor McGovern and guard David Edwards-are set to hit free agency, and with the salary cap tightening, there’s a real chance both could be gone by the time training camp rolls around.
That’s a major challenge for a team that’s prided itself on offensive line stability in recent years. The Bills have built one of the more cohesive and productive units in the league, but continuity could take a hit in 2026.
What the Bills' O-Line Has Meant
Let’s not gloss over how good this group has been. In 2024, the Bills’ offensive line was graded as the fifth-best in the NFL.
They allowed just 14 sacks all season-an elite number in today’s pass-happy league-and only four of those were directly attributed to offensive linemen. That kind of pass protection gave Josh Allen the time and space to operate, and it showed in the offense’s efficiency.
In the run game, they were no slouches either. Buffalo ranked 11th in yards per carry at 4.5, and James Cook was a big beneficiary, averaging 4.9 yards per tote.
Fast forward to 2025, and while the sack numbers jumped-Allen was taken down 40 times, with 17 of those pinned on the line-the unit still earned a sixth-place ranking. Why?
Because they absolutely dominated in the run game. Cook didn’t just have a good year-he led the league in rushing with 1,621 yards.
The Bills finished first in rushing yards per game (159.6) and second in yards per carry (5.0). That kind of ground production doesn’t happen without a line that’s winning consistently at the point of attack.
The McGovern and Edwards Dilemma
Now here’s where things get tricky. Both McGovern and Edwards are set to become unrestricted free agents, and they won’t come cheap.
McGovern, a steady presence in the middle and a vocal leader on the field, didn’t allow a single sack in either of the past two seasons. He’s also rated third in pass-blocking efficiency among centers who played at least 900 snaps.
That kind of consistency is hard to replace. Spotrac projects his market value at around $16 million per year-a steep price for a team looking to free up cap space.
Edwards, meanwhile, might be the most underappreciated piece of the puzzle. He graded 13th out of 36 guards with 900+ snaps, and his projected market value is even higher-around $20 million annually. For a guard who’s flown under the radar, that’s a testament to how well he’s played.
Internal Options and Roster Flexibility
If the Bills decide they can’t afford to bring both veterans back, or even one of them, they’ll have to look in-house. That starts with 2024 draft pick Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, who could step in at center.
He’s still on his rookie deal, which makes him a low-cost, high-upside option. At guard, Alec Anderson is a candidate to replace Edwards.
He’s a versatile swing lineman who brings energy and fits the culture head coach Joe Brady is trying to cultivate.
Of course, general manager Brandon Beane could also look outside the organization-either in the draft or free agency-to find more depth or potential starters. The goal here would be clear: get younger, cheaper, and maintain as much quality as possible. And if they do create some cap flexibility, that could help them down the road when it’s time to re-sign right guard O'Cyrus Torrance, who’s quickly becoming a cornerstone of the unit and will be up for a new deal in 2027.
Coaching Changes and Continuity Concerns
There’s another wrinkle to all this: the coaching staff. Longtime offensive line coach Aaron Kromer has retired, and his departure leaves big shoes to fill.
The Bills brought in Pat Meyer-most recently with the Steelers and previously with Carolina, where he worked alongside Brady. Meyer inherits a top-tier unit, but one that could look very different come Week 1.
New offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael will also take over run-game responsibilities. If McGovern and Edwards aren’t back, Carmichael and Meyer will be working with a reshuffled interior line, and that could mean some early growing pains.
What’s Next?
This isn’t just about replacing two names on the depth chart. It’s about maintaining the identity of an offense that’s built around balance, toughness, and protecting its franchise quarterback.
The Bills have been a playoff fixture for years, and a big reason why is the play of their offensive line. Losing McGovern and Edwards would hurt-but how Buffalo responds could define the next chapter of their AFC East dominance.
One thing is clear: the Bills aren’t rebuilding, but they are retooling. And how they handle the trenches this offseason will tell us a lot about how ready they are to keep contending in a loaded conference.