Center Connor McGovern is coming back to Buffalo.
The Bills center is signing a four-year, $52 million deal with $32 million guaranteed with the team rather than test free agency, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
A third-round pick by the Cowboys in 2019, McGovern has spent each of the last three seasons with the Bills.
Just a few days ago, it appeared McGovern was set to enter the open market.
“[The Bills] haven’t contacted me once,” McGovern told The Athletic. “In my gut, that says it’s over and done.
“It is a business. 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.”
After spending the first five seasons of his career at guard, McGovern moved over to center before the 2024 season, and since then, he has helped anchor one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
Over those two seasons, McGovern and Co. have allowed just 54 sacks, which is tied for the third-fewest in the league.
Last season, the Bills’ offensive line ranked No. 3 in pass block rating and No. 6 in run block rating during the regular season, according to Pro Football Focus.
McGovern was solid in 16 starts during the campaign, posting a pass block win rate of 97.2 percent, which was fifth-best in football, and allowing just six sacks.
The deal takes McGovern off the table with several teams in need of a center after the surprising retirements of the Chargers’ Bradley Bozeman, Bears’ Drew Dalman and Vikings’ Ryan Kelly at the position, all of which had at least a year left on their deals.
Ravens star Tyler Linderbaum remains the top free agent center and could get a record-setting deal with little competition on the market.