TRENDING: 26-year-old Buffalo Bills offensive lineman thinks he’s in his natural position

The Buffalo Bills were just one of two teams to maintain the same starting offensive line throughout the 2023 regular season and playoffs. Unfortunately, the Bills were unable to retain all of last season’s starters due to limited cap space.

The Buffalo Bills released a key starter

Pittsburgh Steelers, Mitch Morse — January 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, United States; Buffalo Bills center Mitch Morse (60) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2024 AFC divisional game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Bills have released their starting center, Mitch Morse. The former Pro Bowler spent the last five seasons in Buffalo, playing in 77 games with 77 starts.

The Bills also traded their backup center, Ryan Bates, to the Bears for a 2024 fifth-round pick. Bates spent the last five seasons in Buffalo, playing in 73 games with 19 starts.

Instead of acquiring a starting-caliber center in free agency, the Bills moved the left guard position.

Buffalo Bills left guard changed positions this offseason

December 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, United States; The Buffalo Bills guard Connor McGovern (66) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Bills moved Connor McGovern from left guard to center this offseason.

McGovern played center and right guard during his tenure with Penn State. He started 14 games at center and logged 923 of 2,353 snaps with the Nittany Lions per PFF.

McGovern primarily played left guard during his NFL career, playing 2,238 snaps at LG, 100 at C, 724 at RG and 30 at ITE. PFF.

He considers the center to be his natural position.

Connor McGovern considers center his natural position

November 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States; The Buffalo Bills guard Connor McGovern (66) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

“I missed it a lot, honestly,” McGovern said. “I was drafted (by the Dallas Cowboys) as a center originally, and then a new coaching staff came in. I was transferred to the guard post and always tried to come back to the center whenever something happened.

“I would say center is my natural position, so it’s just about getting home.”

Their head coach is impressed with his transition.

Sean McDermott impressed with Connor McGovern’s transition

Bills head coach Sean McDermott celebrates a turnover on downs by the defense after an interception put the Falcons in good field position.

“Connor, as the leader of our offensive line, is the one who sets the table to call the huddle to really start the next play,” Bills head coach Sean McDermott said. “I think he did a good job.”

How will Connor McGovern fare in his first season as a starting center?

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