The New Orleans Saints have bolstered their offensive line by signing center Connor McGovern from the New York Jets’ practice squad. This move addresses a key depth need for the Saints, who have faced challenges with injuries along the offensive line early in the 2024 NFL season. McGovern, a 6-foot-4, 306-pound center, has several years of experience in the NFL and will bring valuable versatility and depth to the Saints’ roster.
Connor McGovern, 30, is no stranger to the league, having played for both the Denver Broncos and New York Jets prior to this latest signing. After being drafted by the Broncos in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, McGovern steadily developed into a reliable starter. His versatility along the offensive line has been one of his strengths, as he has played both guard and center throughout his career. This flexibility makes him an ideal fit for the Saints, who are looking for a reliable backup option with the ability to step into multiple roles if needed.
In his time with the Jets, McGovern became a key piece of their offensive line, starting 48 games over three seasons. His presence in the center of the Jets’ line helped stabilize the unit, especially as they dealt with injuries and inconsistency. Despite this, McGovern was not re-signed to the active roster for the 2024 season and instead landed on the Jets’ practice squad.
The Saints’ decision to sign McGovern off the Jets’ practice squad comes at a crucial time. The team has dealt with various injuries to their offensive line early this season, and adding a player like McGovern provides additional insurance should those issues persist. The Saints’ offensive line has been inconsistent at times, and McGovern’s experience and versatility could prove valuable in improving the protection for quarterback Derek Carr and supporting their running game.
As for McGovern, the move gives him a fresh opportunity to contribute on a contending team. While he may start off as a backup, his experience could make him a candidate to step into a starting role should the Saints’ offensive line face further injuries or performance issues. For now, he will look to make his mark in New Orleans as the team continues to push for success in a competitive NFC South division.
The Saints hope that McGovern can adapt quickly to their system and potentially provide an upgrade in both pass protection and run blocking. His veteran presence could prove vital in the locker room as well, offering leadership and stability for a Saints team aiming for a postseason run.
Overall, the signing of Connor McGovern off the Jets’ practice squad is a calculated and necessary move for the New Orleans Saints, who are intent on shoring up their offensive line for the challenges that lie ahead this season.
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