3 Cowboys with everything to gain from 2022 season finale

2. Connor McGovern, OL

In an ideal world, the Cowboys’ offensive line for 2022 is already set in stone. A lot can change between now and then, but from left to right Dallas likely has its five starters currently on the roster: LT Tyron Smith, LG Tyler Smith, C Tyler Biadasz, RG Zack Martin, and RT Terence Steele.

In his fourth NFL season, McGovern is well-established as a backup guard and emergency center for offensive line coach Joe Philbin. Following the injuries to Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz, though, McGovern has started all 14 games in 2022; matching his total combined starts from his first two seasons.

McGovern is a free agent at season’s end, so the former third-round pick has everything to gain in Sunday’s finale and the playoffs. He’s been serviceable for a guard who’s largely started next to a raw rookie in Tyler Smith and Biadasz.

Still just 25 years old, if McGovern could position himself for a potential contract extension — or simply being re-signed in free agency come March — if he stabilizes the center position with Biadasz recovering from an ankle injury.

McGovern’s capability in pass pro goes without saying, but he’s taken his lumps in the running game. Not ideal for a supposed run-first offense, so the Penn State product could really do with a strong finish to the 2022 season.