March 4, 2026, 5:24 p.m. CT

Another name could be on the market for the Houston Texans to help fix the offensive line once free agency begins next week.

According to The Athletic’s Tim Graham, Buffalo Bills center Connor McGovern does not expect to return to the AFC East franchise next season after the lack of communication between the two sides this offseason. McGovern told Graham that he’d like to remain with the Bills and that he thinks they’d re-sign him in an ideal scenario, “but sometimes you’ve got to look in the mirror and be realistic.”

“They haven’t contacted me once,” McGovern said. “In my gut, that says it’s over and done.”

McGovern, 28, is one of the better offensive linemen and top pending free agents during the 2026 NFL offseason. After starting his career with the Dallas Cowboys, McGovern joined Buffalo in 2023, helping the team earn three playoff bids while being the focal point of trenches for Josh Allen’s MVP run in 2024.

The Texans don’t need to upgrade their center spot in ways they must address other positions, but should the right option become available, general manager Nick Caserio said at the combine that it would be an option on the table. Enter McGovern, who just finished his three-year, $22.35 million deal while being the definition of durable, starting in all but two regular-season games during his tenure.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

McGovern could earn a decent pay increase on the market if the right team comes calling. Last season, McGovern posted a 97.2% pass block win rate, which was tied for second among qualifying centers. He also allowed just six sacks during his time in Buffalo, helping the franchise win back-to-back AFC East division titles in 2023 and 2024.

Houston won’t be the only team interested, but it should be one of several being aggressive in targeting a Pro Bowl-caliber lineman to fix the woeful pass protection from last season. Everything is about building around C.J. Stroud for the long haul.

Targeting a player like McGovern would signal that type of change.