The Houston Texans might want to upgrade the center position, but given the asking price for names on the market, they might have to target someone in the draft.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Buffalo Bills and Pro Bowl center Connor McGovern agreed to terms on a four-year, $52 million extension Saturday afternoon ahead of Wednesday’s legal tampering period. The deal includes $32 million guaranteed, which will keep the veteran starter off the free agent market.
McGovern was rumored to be a name Houston could potentially target after it was reported earlier this week that the Bills were planning to let him walk in free agency. From a scheme standpoint, the former Dallas Cowboys backup was the ideal fit to elevate the offensive personnel under second-year coordinator Nick Caley.
Source: Bills and C Connor McGovern reached agreement on a four-year, $52 million deal that includes $32 million guaranteed. He will not get to free agency. pic.twitter.com/JOyDDFrC1B
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2026
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, McGovern ranked fifth in the NFL pass block win rate (97.2%) but allowed six sacks to MVP candidate Josh Allen in 2025. The 28-year-old spent the last three seasons in Orchard Park, including the past two as the starting center following a transition over from left guard.
Since being drafted out of Penn State by the Cowboys, McGovern has played in at least 14 games every season of his six-year career. He also helped both Dallas and Buffalo go on multiple playoff runs as a starter at guard and center over the past five years.
With free agency approaching, the Texans could be caught in a tricky spot addressing the center position. Jake Andrews was a fine option last year, but there’s room for improvement. Texans general manager Nick Caserio said that if they could find a viable option to upgrade each spot of the offensive line, they would, but that would include the asking price on the open market.
Right now, Cade Mays seems to be the only viable upgrade center over Andrews within striking distance of the Texans. His asking price is expected to hover now around $11-$14 million after McGovern’s $13 million annual salarry cashed in.
Expect the Texans to target multiple linemen, but when it comes to the center position, the draft might be more feesible of an option.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans miss out on OL option as Connor McGovern re-signs with Bills