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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 Buffalo Bills made a controversial trade on Thursday when they acquired veteran wide receiver D.J. Moore from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a second round draft pick in 2026, with the Bills also getting a fifth rounder back in return.
At present Moore is set to count for $24 million against the cap this coming season, although that number will be reduced to $6.75 million if the Bills do a full salary conversion.
Regardless of the size of the 28-year old’s cap hit, Buffalo is still well above the salary cap limit with the new league year approaching in less than a week. Yet, according to some sources, this will not prevent the team from making an effort to re-sign one of their more valuable free agents ahead of the free agency period.
According to WIVB’s Josh Reed, the Bills have kept their options open with regards to keeping center Connor McGovern.
Bills free agent news: I have been told that the door has not been closed on Connor McGovern’s return to Buffalo. The two sides did meet last week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indy. If they can find a number that everyone is comfortable with I would not be surprised to see him
“Bills free agent news: I have been told that the door has not been closed on Connor McGovern’s return to Buffalo. The two sides did meet last week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indy. If they can find a number that everyone is comfortable with I would not be surprised to see him back with the Bills.” Reed reported on Thursday.
Bills Writer ‘Would Not Be Surprised’ to See OL Return’
McGovern, along with guard David Edwards, is expected to receive a significant pay bump from his current salary, which saw him earn average of a shade under $7.5 million per year over the past three seasons.
Crucially, both players represent a key part of what has undoubtedly been one of the team’s biggest strengths over the past couple of years in the offensive line. The Bills’ o-line were ranked the NFL’s fifth best in 2026 by the Pro Football Sports Network.
And whilst Edwards could be in line to make up to $20 million a year this offseason, McGovern – courtesy of playing center rather than guards, who tend to be paid more – will almost certainly be the cheaper option if the organization has to decide who to re-sign between the pair.
How Much Will Connor McGovern Be Paid This Spring?
McGovern has established himself as one of the more consistent centers around the league since signing with the Bills back in 2023 on a three-year $22.5 million contract.
Yet, with just one Pro Bowl to his name, received back in 2024 – and him turning 29 by the end of 2026 – it would be somewhat surprising to see him reset the market, which is currently topped by Kansas City Chiefs pivot Creed Humphrey at $18 million per year.
But a deal in the $10-13 million range could well be reasonable for both parties, and that may well be the number that convinces Buffalo to keep him around in New York.
Daniel Arwas Daniel Arwas is a sports writer who covers the NFL for Heavy.com. Daniel began his career in sports writing in 2022 and has covered the NFL and college football for Gridiron Heroics and The Hammer. More about Daniel Arwas
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