Turned Down $64M From Raiders, Bills Veteran Stays in Buffalo on $52M Deal to Chase Super Bowl

Buffalo, NY. The Buffalo Bills entered the 2026 offseason determined to maintain stability along their offensive line as they continue building a championship roster around quarterback Josh Allen.

Protecting Allen has remained one of the organization’s top priorities, and the interior offensive line has quietly become one of the most reliable units on the roster over the past few seasons.

At the center of that consistency has been veteran center Connor McGovern, whose leadership and durability have helped anchor the Bills’ offensive front.

Earlier in the offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders reportedly attempted to lure McGovern away from Buffalo with a massive $64 million contract offer.

Instead of immediately accepting the larger payday, McGovern chose to wait for Buffalo’s offer before making a decision about his future.

When the Bills presented a four-year deal worth $52 million, the veteran center agreed to stay — leaving $12 million on the table to remain with the team he believes can contend for a championship.

"This team is close to something special," McGovern said when discussing his decision. "I believe in the locker room here, and I want to help bring a Super Bowl to Buffalo."

After failing to land McGovern, Las Vegas quickly pivoted and signed star center Tyler Linderbaum to a blockbuster three-year, $81 million contract, instantly making him the highest-paid center in the NFL.

That massive deal has only made Buffalo’s agreement look even smarter.

While Linderbaum commands $27 million per year, McGovern’s contract carries a far lower annual value, giving the Bills crucial salary cap flexibility as they continue strengthening the roster.

On the field, McGovern has delivered consistent production. Over the past two seasons he has not allowed a single sack, helping stabilize the pocket while also supporting a rushing attack that saw running back James Cook win the NFL rushing title in 2025.

For Buffalo’s front office, the result now looks like one of the best value deals of the entire offseason.

By keeping a proven veteran leader at a significantly lower price than the market’s biggest contracts, the Bills may have secured a key piece of their championship push without breaking the salary cap.