By Mummy Grace 
A player who quietly has become one of the most intriguing free-agent offensive linemen is now reportedly on Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes’ radar after his performance in the NFL Wild Card round — Buffalo Bills center/guard Connor McGovern. While Detroit wasn’t in the postseason, McGovern’s play has drawn attention from teams looking to bolster offensive line play in 2026, and the Lions could be among them.
🔹 Who Is Connor McGovern?
Connor McGovern (born 1997) is a veteran interior offensive lineman currently with the Buffalo Bills. Originally drafted in the third round by the Dallas Cowboys in 2019, McGovern signed with the Bills in 2023 and has been a key part of their offensive line since.
Over the past two seasons, McGovern has been extremely reliable:
Started 16+ games at both guard and center positions
Allowed zero sacks in 2025, helping anchor one of the NFL’s most consistent offensive fronts
Pro Bowl nod — recognition of his high-level play among NFL linemen
His versatility — able to play both guard and center — makes him especially appealing for teams with interior line needs, which is exactly the case for Detroit.
🧠 Why McGovern Is Attracting Lions Interest
With Frank Ragnow’s future uncertain and the Lions actively evaluating their offensive line heading into 2026, adding a proven interior lineman is a priority. Detroit’s line mixed veterans and young players in 2025, but durability and experience up the middle remain central concerns.
McGovern checks several boxes for Detroit: ✔ Versatility: Capable of playing center and guard
✔ Pro Bowl-level play: Reliable and respected among peers
✔ Strong recent performance: Part of a Bills line that limited sacks and protected Josh Allen effectively
Those traits would instantly upgrade Detroit’s offensive front, especially with Jared Goff’s future relying on better protection and elite run-blocking lanes.
📈 Postseason Showings Matter for Free Agents
Even though the Lions weren’t part of the playoffs, playoff games act like extended scouting sessions for teams with roster needs. McGovern’s work in the Wild Card spotlight reminded NFL evaluators — including Holmes and his staff — just how valuable a dependable interior lineman can be.
As Detroit evaluates free agent targets and draft priority lists for 2026, McGovern could rise up the board quickly if: 🔹 Detroit believes he can anchor the interior
🔹 The price tag fits the Lions’ cap strategy
🔹 The Bills decide to let him test the open market
📅 What’s Next
McGovern is expected to be a free agent in March, and depending on how negotiations unfold, the Lions could be in the mix given their need and his skill set. Whether Detroit chooses a free-agent route or targets a draft option, McGovern’s name is suddenly part of that conversation — and it wouldn’t be surprising if Brad Holmes makes a serious run at him this offseason.