Connor McGovern does not believe he’s the center of attention for the Buffalo Bills this offseason. His tenure in Buffalo appears to be over.
The free-agent center told The Athletic that neither he nor his agent has heard from general manager Brandon Beane since postseason exit interviews, adding that “in my gut, that says it’s over and done.”
McGovern, 28, is one of the Bills’ top free agents entering the new league year, which begins March 11. He started 49 games over three seasons in Buffalo and made the Pro Bowl in 2024 after moving from guard to center.
According to Spotrac, McGovern’s projected market value is $16.3 million per year. He’s the No. 23 ranked 2026 free agent by NFL.com.
McGovern says he would still like to stay in Buffalo
Despite the lack of communication, McGovern told The Athletic he would welcome a return to Buffalo if the two sides could agree on a contract.
“It is a business,” McGovern said. “I’m never going to take it personally. I want to be back in Buffalo, and I know they want me back. But sometimes you’ve got to look in the mirror and be realistic.”
McGovern said there is a contract number he would be comfortable accepting to stay with the Bills rather than testing the open market.
““Do I need all the money in the world? No, but there’s a respect factor involved, too,. There’s a certain number in my head that I would have no problem accepting,” he said. “If they come to the number that me and my wife are comfortable with, I would gladly say yes and not talk to anybody else.”
Bills have tricky salary cap situation on offensive line
Buffalo faces difficult salary-cap decisions this offseason, particularly on the interior offensive line.
Left guard David Edwards is also a pending free agent. McGovern acknowledged the financial reality that the Bills may only be able to bring one of them back.
“Could we sacrifice money at one spot or maybe draft somebody younger to save some money?” he told The Athletic of the Bills’ financial constraints. “The reality is they’re up against the cap.”
McGovern says he played through injuries in 2025
McGovern also revealed he played through multiple significant injuries during the season.
In Week 5 against the Patriots, he tore ligaments and broke a knuckle in the hand he uses to snap the football.
“I tore a couple ligaments and broke my knuckle,” McGovern said. “Always fun. No bad snaps, though! So no one knew.”
He also tore his left triceps later in the season but continued playing.
Despite those injuries, McGovern remained one of the most durable players on Buffalo’s offensive line. The only games he missed over three seasons came in regular-season finales when the Bills rested starters before the playoffs.
Market for centers could be strong in free agency
McGovern is widely considered the second-best center available in free agency, behind the Baltimore Ravens’ Tyler Linderbaum.
McGovern also has experience playing guard, which could expand his market if teams view him as a versatile interior option.
Demand for centers may also increase after Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman unexpectedly retired Tuesday.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Bills’ top free agent says he hasn’t heard from Brandon Beane all offseason
Reporting by Ryan Miller, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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