The New England Patriots enter the 2026 offseason with a clear and pressing mandate: improve the roster around their young franchise quarterback. While the team’s needs are numerous, perhaps none is more critical than upgrading the offensive line. After a season of inconsistent protection and a struggling run game, the Patriots must prioritize building a formidable wall up front. One of the most logical and compelling solutions available to them may come from a most unexpected place—their division rivals, the Buffalo Bills.
As the new league year approaches, Bills center Connor McGovern is poised to become an unrestricted free agent. After three productive seasons in Buffalo, culminating in his first Pro Bowl selection in 2024, McGovern represents a prime opportunity for New England to address a major weakness with a proven, high-quality starter. The Patriots should aggressively pursue him.
The Current State of Affairs: The Garrett Bradbury Experiment
The Patriots’ need for an upgrade at center is a direct result of the disappointing tenure of Garrett Bradbury. Last March, in an effort to solidify the interior of the line, New England signed Bradbury to a two-year, $9.5 million contract. The hope was that the former first-round pick would provide stability and veteran leadership.
Unfortunately, the on-field results did not match the front office’s expectations. Bradbury struggled throughout the season, particularly in pass protection, where he was often overpowered by larger defensive tackles. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Bradbury finished the 2025 season with an overall offensive grade of just 60.1. That ranking placed him 39th among all qualified centers in the NFL—a performance that is firmly in the below-average to replacement-level territory.
The financial aspect of this underperformance is a critical factor in the Patriots’ decision-making process. Bradbury is scheduled to carry a salary cap hit of $6.9 million for the 2026 season. However, the structure of his contract provides New England with a relatively painless escape route. If the Patriots opt to release Bradbury this offseason, they would incur a manageable $1.2 million in dead money while freeing up a significant $5.7 million in cap space.
With the Patriots possessing one of the largest cap reserves in the league, that $5.7 million in savings is not about financial necessity; it’s about resource allocation. It allows them to cut ties with a player who didn’t work out and redirect those funds—plus a significant portion of their ample cap space—toward a genuine upgrade. Connor McGovern is that upgrade.
The Case for Connor McGovern
Connor McGovern presents a compelling profile for a team in need of a stabilizing force. At 28 years old, he is squarely in his prime and offers a combination of durability, high-level performance, and scheme versatility that is rare in the free-agent market.
1. Proven Performance and Pass-Protection Prowess
McGovern has been a model of consistency since joining the Bills. Over the past three seasons, he has started 49 games, proving his reliability and durability. His performance in 2025 was particularly noteworthy. While Bradbury languished near the bottom of the league’s center rankings, McGovern thrived. PFF graded him as the 14th-best center in the NFL in pass-blocking this past season.
The most eye-catching statistic, highlighted by Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, is that McGovern did not allow a single sack during the 2025 campaign. For a Patriots team that must prioritize keeping their quarterback upright, this is arguably the most important data point in his favor. A clean pocket starts from the inside out, and McGovern’s ability to anchor against power and mirror quicker defenders on stunts would provide an immediate and dramatic upgrade.
2. Athleticism for the Modern Run Game
While his pass protection is elite, McGovern is not a one-dimensional player. Knox notes that the 28-year-old possesses “the athleticism and quickness needed to run block on the move.” This is a crucial trait for the modern NFL. Offensive schemes increasingly rely on zone-blocking concepts that require linemen to climb to the second level and execute blocks on athletic linebackers and safeties.
McGovern’s mobility would be a significant asset for Patriots offensive coordinator [Name], allowing for a more diverse and dynamic run game. Whether it’s pulling on power plays or reaching a linebacker on an outside zone, McGovern has the foot speed and football IQ to execute. This would not only improve the running lanes for New England’s backs but also add another layer of unpredictability to the offense, keeping defenses off balance.
3. Familiarity and the Division Factor
There is an added layer of intrigue to pursuing McGovern: his intimate knowledge of the Buffalo Bills. In a division as cutthroat as the AFC East, information is a valuable commodity. McGovern has spent the last three years practicing against one of the NFL’s most ferocious pass rushes, led by players like Ed Oliver and Von Miller. He has spent three years snapping the ball to Josh Allen and studying the intricacies of Buffalo’s offensive game plans.
Bringing him to New England would not only weaken a direct rival by removing a key piece of their offensive line but also bring a wealth of insider knowledge into the Patriots’ building. He can provide the coaching staff with firsthand intelligence on the tendencies and techniques of the Bills’ defensive front, a distinct advantage in two critical matchups every season.
The Offseason Roadmap
The Patriots’ path forward is clear. They should release Garrett Bradbury, absorbing the minimal dead cap hit and creating the necessary financial flexibility. From there, signing Connor McGovern should be a top priority when the free-agent negotiating window opens.
With a contract likely to average in the range of $10-12 million per year for a player of his caliber, the investment would be substantial but justifiable. It would signal a commitment to building a competent offense from the inside out. Securing McGovern would solidify the center position for the next three to four years, providing a veteran anchor for the offensive line.
Once the center position is addressed, the Patriots can then turn their full attention to other glaring needs in the 2026 NFL Draft. With their first-round pick, they could target a blue-chip left tackle prospect or a dynamic playmaking wide receiver. By fixing the offensive line in free agency, New England frees itself from being desperate in the draft. They can adhere to the best-player-available philosophy, knowing that a foundational piece of their offense is already in place.
In the high-stakes chess game of the NFL offseason, the New England Patriots have a chance to make a simple, smart, and potentially transformative move. By pursuing Connor McGovern, they can strengthen their own roster, weaken a division foe, and take a significant step toward building a competitive offense for 2026 and beyond.
