If they want to compete in 2023, the Vikings must improve in a number of ways. One of these improvements should be considered mandatory is the center position. Take the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, the two teams that represented the NFL in the Super Bowl. They have two of the best centers in the league in Creed Humphrey and Jason Kelce, keeping their QB pockets clean and opening up rushing lanes for RBs.
So, how could the Vikings improve at center this offseason? Here are two free agents that could be on Minnesota’s radar at the top of the position.
Connor McGovern
May 27, 2021; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets offensive lineman Connor McGovern (60) participates in a drill during an OTA at Jets Atlantic Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
First and foremost, it is worth mentioning that we’re talking about the Connor McGovern that played for the New York Jets, not the Connor McGovern that played for the Dallas Cowboys. Both will hit free agency in March, but like Bradbury, Dallas’ McGovern is doing so only because the Cowboys declined his fifth-year option. He would hardly be an upgrade over Bradbury.
New York’s McGovern, though, has progressively gotten better every year after being drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2016 Draft. Here are his PFF grades from 2017-2022:
- 2017: 48.9
- 2018: 60.2
- 2019: 72.0
- 2020: 62.2
- 2021: 75.9
- 2022: 69.6
In addition to this progressive improvement throughout his early career, McGovern still has youth on his side. He turns 30 on April 27th, but offensive linemen much more consistently maintain their production into their mid-30s than, say, a cornerback or wide receiver.
Finally, McGovern has been a picture of health for most of his career. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2018, he’s never played fewer than 15 games in a season.
Bradley Bozeman
Dec 24, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers center Bradley Bozeman (56) takes the field against the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
If the Vikings want to go in a more “under the radar” direction, Bradley Bozeman could be a terrific option for them in 2023. Bozeman won’t turn 29 until November, so he’s another player that could fill the center position for years to come in Minnesota.
Bozeman signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2022 after spending his first four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens following being drafted in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. For whatever reason, he didn’t break into the starting lineup until Week 7 in Carolina, but from that point on, he held onto the starting center spot.
Another reason that Bozeman is a very intriguing free agent is that he brings versatility to the offensive line. He actually didn’t start playing center until the 2021 season. Prior to that, he was Baltimore’s primary option at left guard.
The Vikings certainly faced their fair share of injuries on the offensive line last year and having a player that can line up at multiple positions like Bozeman could be invaluable in 2023. He also has been a picture of health throughout his career. He’s missed just one game since 2019.
In all, the Minnesota Vikings could opt to run it back with Bradbury in 2023, depending on the price tag that he carries. However, they either need him to take another leap next season, or they need to find a new center in order to truly be Super Bowl contenders. Either of Bozeman or McGovern could be the improvement that the Vikings need at the position.