Detroit Lions Sign Center Cade Mays to Three-Year Deal

The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with center Cade Mays, formerly of the Carolina Panthers, as the legal tampering period of NFL free agency began on Monday, March 9, 2026. Mays is expected to fill a critical need at the center position for the Lions.

Mays’ Background and Contract Details

Mays signed a three-year contract with the Lions, worth up to $25 million, with $14 million guaranteed at signing . The 26-year-old center started 12 games for the Panthers in 2025 after Austin Corbett suffered a knee injury .

Performance and Potential

In 726 snaps during the 2025 season, Mays did not allow a single sack and achieved a 94.3% run block win rate, ranking among the top 20 centers in the league . He was ranked 24th among qualifying centers by Pro Football Focus (PFF) last season, an improvement over Graham Glasgow’s 32nd-ranked performance . Even as excelling as a pass blocker, ranking in the top 12 in the league in PFF grades, his run blocking grade was among the eight worst .

Impact on the Lions Offensive Line

The addition of Mays addresses a significant need for the Lions, particularly after the retirement of Frank Ragnow and the release of Graham Glasgow . This move too allows the Lions to keep Tate Ratledge at right guard. The Lions also acquired Juice Scruggs in a trade with the Houston Texans, providing additional depth and experience at the center and guard positions .

Looking Ahead

With a new offensive coordinator in Drew Petzing, the Lions are hoping Mays will thrive in their offensive scheme. The team is confident that Mays’s addition will bolster their offensive line and contribute to their continued success .