After numerous failed attempts trying to address the center position, the Jets finally think they have a keeper.
New York and former Broncos center Connor McGovern agreed to a three-year deal worth $27 million with $18 million guaranteed. McGovern will be the fifth Jets center in the last three seasons.
With Denver last season, McGovern allowed just one sack and three quarterback hits. He didn’t commit a single penalty in 2019 and only has nine total penalties since 2017 on 2,510 snaps.
The 2016 fifth-round pick out of Missouri is a significantly better pass- blocker than run-blocker. That bodes well for Sam Darnold, but not so much for Le’Veon Bell. For now, McGovern will have Alex Lewis and George Fant to his left and Brian Winters and Chuma Edoga to his right. That could very well change as the Jets continue to evaluate their line.
With that being said, let’s get to know the Jets’ latest center.
Family roots in New York
While McGovern is originally from Fargo, North Dakota, his family has origins in the tri-state area.
His father, Keith, was born in New Jersey. McGovern’s grandparents were born in Brooklyn. He has a few other family members living in the tri-state area as well.
So it’s not exactly a homecoming for McGovern, but McGovern and his family should know their way around the Big Apple. Maybe that’s why McGovern picked New York over Minnesota and San Francisco.
Same agency as Sam Darnold
McGovern and Sam Darnold are going to be getting to know each real well over the next few years. It turns out they already have one thing in common.
McGovern is represented by CAA, as is Darnold. So chances are he has seen what Darnold has done on the field with the Jets. Obviously, there is room to improve for Darnold and McGovern can help him along in the process by providing more protection for him upfront.
Multiple positions
McGovern is going to slide in as the starting center, but he can play other positions along the offensive line if need be.
In 2018, McGovern split time at both center and right guard. He played eight games at right guard and seven at center before making the transition full-time to center in 2019.
Right now the Jets have Brian Winters slated to play right guard, but he could be a cap casualty.
Workout freak
McGovern weighs 304 pounds because he’s constantly in the gym lifting weights.
He works out with former NFL lineman Matt McChesney in the offseason. But even before football, McGovern was into lifting weights. He used to be a competitive powerlifter. However, because of football, McGovern has cut back on the weights to keep himself more flexible.
Along with lifting weights, McGovern also boxes.
