Cade Mays Signs with Detroit Lions
Cade Mays, a former sixth-round pick out of Tennessee in 2022, has signed a three-year contract with the Detroit Lions, marking a significant step in his career. The contract is valued at $25 million, with $14 million guaranteed, reflecting the Lions’ confidence in Mays’s abilities to strengthen their offensive line.
In the previous season, Mays started 12 games for the Carolina Panthers, showcasing his skills by allowing zero sacks and only 11 quarterback pressures throughout the year. His performance included 726 snaps played without allowing a sack, and he achieved an impressive 94.3 percent run block win rate.
The Lions made this move following the release of Frank Ragnow, who had been a cornerstone of their offensive line. Ragnow’s retirement left a gap that the Lions struggled to fill, prompting the team to seek a reliable center like Mays.
Joe Person reported, “C Cade Mays to the Lions on a three-year, $25 million deal with $14M guaranteed, per league source.” This signing is seen as a strategic effort by the Lions to bolster their offensive line heading into the 2026 season.
Prior to his time with the Panthers, Mays had a varied career path. He played as a backup for most of his first two seasons and started two games as a rookie as a fullback. His journey included a brief stint on the New York Giants practice squad before returning to Carolina.
Observers note that Mays was considered one of the best centers available in free agency, and his signing is expected to enhance the Lions’ offensive capabilities. The team has high hopes for Mays as he steps into a starting role.
As the Lions prepare for the upcoming season, Mays’s addition is anticipated to provide much-needed stability and strength to their offensive line. Coach Dan Campbell and General Manager Brad Holmes have expressed optimism about Mays’s potential impact on the team’s performance.
With Mays now on board, the Lions are looking to improve their offensive line dynamics and overall performance in the 2026 season. The team is expected to integrate him into their system quickly, aiming for a seamless transition as they gear up for the challenges ahead.