Of the 21 players who are considered unrestricted free agents for the Buffalo Bills this offseason, two of the biggest names were offensive linemen: starting center Connor McGovern and starting left guard David Edwards.
The Bills took care of bringing back one stalwart along their offensive line, reportedly coming to terms on a contract extension that see McGovern protect Josh Allen for the next four seasons.
Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by examining the news, including how McGovern went from being “over and done” with the Bills to staying in Western New York on a contract with a lower annual average value than what McGovern was projected to receive in free agency.
Connor McGovern appears to take less to stay with Bills
Connor McGovern, who would have certainly been a hot commodity on the free agent market, has reportedly agreed to a four-year, $52 million deal to stay withe the Bills, including $32 million in guaranteed money. By keeping McGovern, Buffalo has answered one pressing offseason question, guaranteeing that one of the NFL’s top centers will keep protecting Josh Allen for years to come.
McGovern has shown himself to be one of the league’s best pass-blocking centers, and his durability is one of the best things to like about what McGovern brings to this offensive line. Spotrac had estimated McGovern’s value on the open market at $16.3 million/year, so with a $13 million annual average value (AAV), it appears McGovern took less money to stay with the Bills.
Since coming to the Bills from the Dallas Cowboys, McGovern has never missed a game due to injury in his first three seasons in Western New York. According to data provided by Pro Football Focus, McGovern was not charged with a sack allowed spanning 1,350 pass blocking snaps over the last two seasons.
Exploring how the Bills created more than $10 million in salary cap space by restructuring the deal of star defensive tackle Ed Oliver. Plus, examining what DJ Moore brings to Buffalo’s offense; identifying a few free-agent wide receivers the Bills could still bring in; and discussing the possibility of a reunion with Stefon Diggs.
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