Jan. 31, 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
The Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> fielded the best offensive line of the Joe Burrow era in 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n There, the Bengals<\/a> hit on recent draft picks like Amarius Mims and Dylan Fairchild, while also getting nice showings from recent free-agent findings like Orlando Brown Jr. and Dalton Risner.<\/p>\n But that doesn’t mean the Bengals will sit still at the spot this offseason.<\/p>\n One name to potentially keep in mind in free agency?\u00a0<\/p>\n Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Connor McGovern, with CBS Sports\u2019 Zachary Pereles<\/a> recently throwing out the Bengals as a landing spot for the 28-year-old veteran.\u00a0<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n RELATED:Bengals draft outlook: The last 10 picks at No. 10 overall<\/a><\/p>\n A year ago, McGovern graded as the 15th-ranked center on a list of 40<\/a> at Pro Football Focus. Bengals center Ted Karras, for what it\u2019s worth, ranked 22nd<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Bengals signed Karras to an extension to keep him in town through 2026, so they don\u2019t have a big need. McGovern is much younger than Karras, who turns 33 in March.\u00a0<\/p>\n Still, where this really gets interesting is McGovern\u2019s prior experience at guard. If the Bengals lose Risner in free agency, perhaps they look his way, regardless. Karras also has past experience at guard.\u00a0<\/p>\n When addressing the line this offseason, the Bengals might stick with the draft and think about the future. But McGovern is one of those versatile free agents who serves as a good example of guys who might be in their price range and cover needs worth keeping in mind.<\/p>\n