The Buffalo Bills announced on Mar. 10 that they have re-signed center Connor McGovern to a four-year contract, keeping him with the team after he was set to become an unrestricted free agent for the 2026 league year.
McGovern’s return is significant for the team’s offensive line stability and continuity as they prepare for the upcoming season. The move also reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining a strong front to protect key players like quarterback Josh Allen and running back James Cook III.
“It’s just been a whirlwind . . . we’re just happy to be back in Buffalo,” McGovern said. Since joining Buffalo in 2023, McGovern has started all 49 games he played through the 2025 regular season and each playoff matchup. Over his three years with the Bills, he logged more than 3,100 snaps on offense and contributed on special teams during his first year.
Initially playing left guard and allowing no sacks, McGovern transitioned to center in 2024 following Mitch Morse’s release. That same year, he earned a Pro Bowl selection. He described Allen’s involvement in his re-signing process: “[Allen’s] always checking up . . . it was last week, he called just to check in and just make sure I was going well before free agency, trying to give his two cents on everything and then just got the ball rolling from there,” McGovern said. “He was talking to both sides.”
In recent seasons, McGovern helped lead an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the league in 2024 and supported Cook’s NFL rushing title run in 2025. The Bills will also return Dion Dawkins, O’Cyrus Torrence, Spencer Brown, and Alec Anderson along their offensive front next season.
McGovern highlighted his role as a central figure among linemen: “It means a lot when you have a guy like [Allen] back there, an MVP, and [Cook who’s] a rushing leader,” he said. “You want to protect them, so you got to invest up front; and I’m very excited that I get to be one of those guys.” He also spoke about working again with head coach Joe Brady—his former college coach—and new offensive line coach Pat Meyer.
Reflecting on life off the field, McGovern noted his family’s ties to Buffalo: “I think we have the best neighbors and neighborhood we live in,” he said. “So that really helped. We don’t have to go look for another house, move, pick up.” Concluding his remarks about staying with Buffalo long-term: “I knew I loved it here [in Buffalo] . . . I knew they loved me. They knew I loved it here,” McGovern said. “It was easy. It was one of those things we knew it was going to happen at some time, but it was nice to finally put that pen to paper and make sure it’s finalized.”
