APRIL 26: McGovern, who signed a three-year deal worth $27MM in 2020, will be attached to a much cheaper Jets pact this season. Gang Green brought back its center on a one-year, $1.92MM deal, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic tweets. The Jets will guarantee the veteran snapper $1.25MM, and Rosenblatt adds no incentives are included in the contract.
APRIL 24: The Jets will have a familiar face in the middle of the offensive line in 2023. The team announced on Monday that they have re-signed center Connor McGovern.
The 29-year old began his career in Denver, where he showed the ability to play at both center and guard. He had an offer to remain in Denver, but it was withdrawn after they landed Graham Glasgow in free agency in 2020. That left McGovern free to head elsewhere, and he landed in New York on a three-year, $27MM deal.
Over the course of that contract, the former fifth-rounder has been a mainstay up front for the Jets, starting all 48 games he appeared in. That includes being on the field for every snap of the 2022 campaign, a feat not matched by any other lineman on the team, as the rest of New York’s group up front suffered a multitude of injuries. McGovern delivered a solid if unspectacular performance last season, earning an overall PFF grade of 69.6, the third-highest mark of his career.
In a free agent class featuring a few different experienced options up front – along with his namesake, who ultimately signed with the Bills last month – McGovern was expected to have a viable market from the Jets and other center-needy teams. The fact that he was still available this late into free agency demonstrates the degree to which that wasn’t the case, but a reunion with the Jets was always considered a logical development.
With McGovern in place, New York’s interior O-line is set with guards Laken Tomlinson and Alijah Vera-Tucker also on the books. The tackle spot could see an addition during the first round of this week’s draft, as the team looks to add more stability and depth up front after being hit hard by injuries last season. Regardless of whether or not they do so, though, they will have consistency and familiarity under center.
looks like they won’t need to use a 2nd rd pick on Center after all. I could see them grabbing a center with their 4th or 5th rd pick instead.
I think the Jets will (and have too) be aggressive on draft day. They may mortgage some future picks for this year, acquire a 2nd rounder and perhaps other rounds as they try to capture whatever window they have left with Rodgers. Now is the time.
Aside from needing a QB the Jets have a strong roster. They may pick an OT or IOL with their 1st round pick to add some depth even after re-signing Connor. Edge rusher would be a good choice in the 1st as well.
With McGovern at center, the Jets ranked 23rd, 27th and 25th in rushing yards, and he was 24th out of 32 in passing yards. Looks set to me!
doesnt help when your main rb’s hall and robinson play a combined 11 games for the jets and ur qb is zach wilson
must have planned to draft a C in thd 2nd round but now have a trade in place for that pick. hmm