As the Buffalo Bills gear up for a pivotal offseason, the spotlight naturally falls on the wide receiver room - and for good reason. Josh Allen needs a consistent, high-end target to elevate the passing game, and that’s been a recurring theme in recent years. But while the search for a playmaker on the outside will dominate headlines, there’s another storyline brewing in the trenches that could quietly shape the Bills’ 2026 outlook: the future of offensive lineman Connor McGovern.
McGovern might not generate the same buzz as a top-tier free agent wideout, but his value to Buffalo’s offense is real - and growing. After a strong 2025 campaign, his third season with the Bills, McGovern is firmly on the radar as a must-keep piece for general manager Brandon Beane. And it’s not just about familiarity - it’s about performance and versatility.
Let’s start with the numbers. According to Pro Football Focus, McGovern ranked as the No. 9 center in the NFL last season.
That’s no small feat, especially considering he’s not a full-time center. In fact, McGovern has shown the kind of positional flexibility that coaches love.
He started at center throughout the 2024 season, playing all 16 games, then shifted to guard in 2025 and didn’t miss a beat - again logging 16 starts. That kind of adaptability is gold in today’s NFL, where injuries and matchups often force linemen to move around.
It’s not just about plug-and-play ability, though. McGovern has developed a strong rapport with Josh Allen, and that chemistry is something you can’t just manufacture with a new face. Continuity on the offensive line is often overlooked, but it’s a major factor in keeping a high-powered offense humming - especially one that relies on timing, mobility, and a quarterback who thrives when protected.
Of course, versatility and chemistry don’t come cheap. Spotrac pegs McGovern’s market value at $16.3 million, which puts him in the upper tier of interior offensive linemen.
That’s a significant investment, particularly for a team with other holes to fill and limited cap flexibility. But that’s the cost of quality in the trenches, and McGovern has proven he belongs in that conversation.
The Bills have some tough decisions ahead - including what to do with other free agents on the roster - but keeping McGovern in Buffalo might be one of the more under-the-radar priorities that pays big dividends. In a league where finding reliable offensive linemen is harder than ever, letting one walk out the door - especially one who’s already proven he can anchor your line in multiple spots - is a risk the Bills may not want to take.
While all eyes are on the skill positions, don’t be surprised if one of the most important moves of the Bills’ offseason is locking down a lineman who does the dirty work - and does it well.