The New York Jets re-signed durable center Connor McGovern on Monday, addressing one of the team’s major needs before the NFL draft this week.
McGovern has been the Jets’ starting center the past three seasons, starting 48 games and missing only two since signing as a free agent in 2020.
Contract terms weren’t immediately available.
The Jets have the No. 13 overall pick in the draft, which begins Thursday night, along with Nos. 42 and 43 in the second round. While offensive tackle remains the likely target with its first pick, New York was thought to be interested in the top centers with one of its second-rounders — if they don’t include one or both in a potential trade with Green Bay for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers announced in March during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on YouTube and Sirius XM his intention is to continue playing — and for the Jets. New York and Green Bay continue to work on a deal that would send the four-time NFL MVP to the Jets.
Meanwhile, McGovern tested free agency and the Jets signed versatile guard/center Wes Schweitzer, who projects as a backup. They also showed some interest in former Tennessee center Ben Jones before announcing Monday they were bringing back McGovern.
The veteran, who turns 30 on Thursday, was the only player on the Jets last season to take every snap on offense, and the first to do so for New York since left tackle Kelvin Beachum and right guard Brian Winters did so in 2018.
McGovern was drafted by Denver in the fifth round out of Missouri in 2016. He began his NFL career at right guard before moving to center in his third season with the Broncos. McGovern signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Jets to be their starting center during the 2020 offseason.
McGovern’s return gives the Jets four of five primary starters from last season, including guards Laken Tomlinson and Alijah Vera-Tucker, and left tackle Duane Brown. Right tackle is the one major question mark with Mekhi Becton (knee) and Max Mitchell (blood clots) coming back and potentially competing with a rookie for the spot.
