Could Ravens replace Tyler Linderbaum with Connor McGovern?

It appears to be growing increasingly likely that Tyler Linderbaum will not be back for the Baltimore Ravens. Linderbaum's contract demands continue to rise, and he may be too expensive for Eric DeCosta. With that said, could there be a chance to replace him with Buffalo Bills center Connor McGovern?

DeCosta stated that the Ravens made Linderbaum a "market-setting" offer, but that could have been $18.5 million per season, which edges out the leading highest-paid center, Creed Humphrey. 

Now, reports have indicated that Linderbaum could fetch a contract that exceeds more than $20 million per season, which might be far more than what the Ravens are willing to offer. If that is the case, they could look to McGovern.

McGovern revealed that he has not spoken to the Bills at all ahead of free agency, and that it feels like his time there is "done." If that is the case, he will become a premier center that should garner looks from multiple teams.

Per PFF, McGovern comes in as 15th out of 40 qualified centers with an overall grade of 69.1. His 65.2 run block grade is ranked 20th, and his 73.4 pass blocking grade is ranked sixth.

This does pale in comparison to Linderbaum, who is ranked fifth with an 80.2 overall grade, fourth-ranked run block grade with 83.7, and a 63.4 pass block grade that is ranked 22nd.

McGovern has a far better pass block grade, but one stat that he does beat Linderbaum in is that he gave up no sacks, while his Ravens counterpart gave up two. Both linemen committed five penalties.

McGovern is also one of the most stalwart centers, taking on 12th-best 1,037 offensive snaps. He has only missed two games in the last three seasons.

The other aspect of McGovern's skill set is that he has experience at guard, so being a more utility man for the Ravens line might be worth exploring.

McGovern is predicted to land a three-year, $16 million deal, per Spotrac. This might be far more in line with what the Ravens are willing to spend, and he could be the player the team needs in case Linderbaum does not return.

Linderbaum is a shade younger by two years, but McGovern is also a Pro Bowl talent who would help to solidify Baltimore's offensive line. 

A wrinkle in the plan is also the shocking retirement of Drew Dalman, which puts the Chicago Bears squarely in need of a starting center. The competition for Linderbaum and McGovern will be fierce if both make it to free agency, but the Ravens appear to have options.