Could the Buffalo Bills make this risky contract decision?
The Buffalo Bills have definitely had their fair share of struggles this season. Yes, they are 7-4, but they are just 3-4 over their last seven games and clearly have huge holes on both sides of the ball.
Surprisingly, one of the biggest issues for the Bills this season has been their offensive line. Even though the unit is identical to last year, Buffalo has allowed Josh Allen to get sacked 28 times through 11 games, which is double the amount the line surrendered over a full campaign in 2024.
While that may indicate some changes need to be made in the trenches, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox actually feels the Bills should double down on keeping the group together. Well, at least at the center position, where Connor McGovern is slighted to hit free agency.
Knox feels that Buffalo should extend McGovern before he even hits the open market, which could prove to be a costly decision.
Buffalo Bills center Connor McGovern with quarterback Josh Allen. Credit: Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images."McGovern, a Pro Bowler in 2024, just turned 28 earlier this month and is only entering his prime as a starter," Knox wrote. "He has a projected market value of $16.3 million annually, though, which could be an obstacle for the Bills. Buffalo is currently projected to have just $8.7 million in 2026 cap space. While that number will inevitably change, the Bills would be wise to extend McGovern while they're still the only ones who can make offers."
Buffalo needs to shore up numerous areas during the offseason. Not only is its offensive line a source of concern, but the Bills also need help at wide receiver and they must address a run defense that has been among the NFL's worst in 2025.
That's why signing McGovern to a lucrative extension is a risky bet, although the former third-round pick has actually played fairy well this season.
McGovern owns a 67.8 overall grade at Pro Football Focus, laying claim to a 70.1 pass-blocking grade. So while Buffalo's pass protection hasn't been great, McGovern is not one of the primary culprits as to why.
The Penn State product began his professional career with the Dallas Cowboys in 2019 and missed his entire rookie campaign due to injury. He ultimately resided with the Cowboys through 2023 before signing with the Bills.
Buffalo will face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.