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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 18: Connor McGovern #66 of the Buffalo Bills in action during the NFL 2025 game against the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears will have a perfect opportunity to replace Drew Dalman with the latest news on Buffalo Bills free-agent center Connor McGovern.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that the Bears are hosting free agent center Tyler Biadasz on a visit. However, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Washington Commanders, who released Biadasz, want to “lean more of an outside zone running scheme.”
That’s the scheme Ben Johnson uses in Chicago, so this visit could be more of a way to gauge the center market, since Biadasz is allowed to go on visits before free agency because he was released.
And with Tyler Linderbaum expected to receive offers of more than $20 million APY, the Bears’ best bet could be going after McGovern, who doesn’t expect to be back with the Bills.
Connor McGovern Feels Bills’ Tenure is ‘Over and Done’
Speaking with The Athletic’s Tim Graham, McGovern believes his tenure with the Bills is “over and done.”
“They haven’t contacted me once. In my gut, that says it’s over and done.”
McGovern is regarded around the league as the top free-agent center behind Linderbaum, and according to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, he’s projected to sign a deal worth around $9-16 million per year.
Yahoo Sports! Nate Tice believes he could be a good fit for the Bears, and here’s what ESPN’s Matt Bowen had to say regarding McGovern, who’ll be 28 by the time next season rolls around:
“A steady pass blocker in the middle of the front, McGovern has the mobility to climb and play in space versus linebackers. He had a 97.2% pass block win rate in 2025, which was tied for second among 31 qualifying centers.”
The only two games he missed during his three-year stint with the Bills were due to the team resting its starters, and McGovern also has the flexibility to play guard, where he played during his time with the Dallas Cowboys.
Projected Contract and Fit
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper has a contract projection for McGovern at two years, $22 million. That’s right in the ballpark of Barnewell’s $9-16 million APY range. Here’s what Popper had to say regarding Govern:
“McGovern has played both guard spots and center in his NFL career, starting the past two seasons at center for the Bills. Considering how thin center is in this year’s free-agent class, McGovern should project as a well-above-average starter at the position. He has the foot speed to reach difficult blocks in the run game, play in space and mirror rushers.”
The Bears should have no problems inserting McGovern in the middle of Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. In fact, the Bears would be replacing Dalman with someone who produces similar results on the field at potentially a cheaper cost.
Dalman signed a three-year, $42 million deal last offseason, but $18 million was paid in the first year. Bringing in McGovern at $11 million per year should be an option that Chicago seriously considers.
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