The Chargers, Cowboys may sign Saints cut center, Connor McGovern to a new contract. According to multiple reports, the veteran is officially on waivers which means he could sign with any team that wants him. Originally selected in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Missouri product was a reliable pass-blocker for the Denver Broncos, starting the final five games in place of Ronald Leary. McGovern was the starting right guard for a few games before transitioning to center, following a season-ending injury to Matt Paradis.
However, injuries became detrimental and he slowly was working his way out of the New York Jets despite starting a full regular season with them. The Saints gave him a chance to start in place of injured Erik McCoy but now that he returns, it’s no surprise to his release. The center could still find an opportunity elsewhere as there are plenty of rosters out there looking to protect their quarterback. McGovern may not be a superstar lineman but he’s an efficient pass blocker for any team that needs depth.
Chargers, Cowboys May Sign Saints Cut Center Connor McGovern
Help for Harbaugh’s Vision
Nobody in this league loves the running game more than Jim Harbaugh. This is why they drafted tackle Joe Alt in this year’s 2024 NFL Draft instead of improving the passing attack for Justin Herbert. The run game has been able to make up for their pass-catching woes sitting at 6-3, looking more like a wild-card team. However, they could use some extra depth for center Bradley Bozeman who’s been holding the rope together alongside Alt since Corey Linsley’s retirement.
If the Chargers want more success in their running game in time for the postseason, they should bring in someone like McGovern to assist Bozeman. Los Angeles needs more protection for Justin Herbert who struggles getting the ball in the air effectively to his receivers due to the exhilarating pass rush from opposing teams. Herbert can no longer scramble out of the pocket since the pressure may mount which may lead to a potential injury. This isn’t to say he will get hurt but additional depth would help keep the passing and running game intact.
Offensive Line Woes
The Dallas Cowboys 2024 season ship has sailed off this year, including having a big hit to their offensive line since moving on without Tyler Biadasz at center. Powerhouses Zack Martin and Tyler Smith held their ground but it wasn’t enough to compensate for the inexperienced lineman like Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe after competition with Brock Hoffman. However, the Cowboys faced plenty of penalty issues this year, including allowing the opposing team to get after Dak Prescott.
Prescott may not return until next year but they should be signing someone to become the building block of this offense. McGovern won’t single-handedly block every single pass rush but some help for Beebe to switch off in moments might benefit the offense with experience. While Guyton and Beebe go through growing pains, a guy like McGovern might take off the stress that the Cowboys are dealing with. It won’t be an immediate solution but creating some consistency this year could carve out momentum for 2025.
