Washington Commanders fans were stunned when reports revealed that the club had released starting center Tyler Biadasz. He was expected to be back for the final year of his deal, but general manager Adam Peters had other ideas.
That makes his next move critical.
The Commanders got dependable production from Biadasz during his two seasons in Washington. While he was never going to be an All-Pro, the Wisconsin product developed strong chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels and was a solid run blocker. However, those in power believe they can find better.
Just how they go about that is anyone's guess.
Commanders could reunite Dan Quinn with Connor McGovern after Tyler Biadasz release
The Commanders may decide to give someone in-house a chance. Nick Allegretti would be the strongest option, albeit risky. Brandon Coleman is another who could potentially get a shot. Washington could look to the draft, or Peters may decide to break the bank for Tyler Linderbaum in free agency.
That doesn't seem feasible considering the Commanders have to reset the market on left tackle Laremy Tunsil's extension. There is another intriguing free-agent alternative — one with an already developed relationship with head coach Dan Quinn from their time together on the Dallas Cowboys.
Connor McGovern spent the first three seasons of his career in Dallas before joining the Buffalo Bills. He's versatile enough to play anywhere along the interior, but his best work has arguably come at the center position. And perhaps more importantly, he's a far superior pass protector than Biadasz.
McGovern is still just 28. Considering how well linemen perform well into their 30s, this represents a sound long-term investment if the Bills let him test the market. Still, this isn't going to be cheap.
According to Spotrac, the former Penn State star is expected to get $16.27 million per season on a three-year, $48.82 million deal. That's much more than Biadasz was making. It would also rank No. 3 in center contracts around the league, at least until Linderbaum's pending deal in Baltimore.
The Commanders already have money tied into right guard Sam Cosmi. They need to give Tunsil an extension that could enter the $30 million per year realm. Paying a center top-tier money would be a bold play, but Peters has to be aggressive in his quest to get Washington back on the right path to prosperity.
Biadasz shouldn't be out of work for long. He's an accomplished performer and a solid pro. But it just wasn't enough to see out his contract with the Commanders.
Whether it's McGovern or someone else, the Commanders have to get this right.