Cade Mays Signs with Detroit Lions
Cade Mays, a sixth-round pick out of Tennessee in 2022, has officially signed a three-year contract with the Detroit Lions. This deal, which is valued at $25 million with $14 million guaranteed, comes after Mays’ notable performance with the Carolina Panthers in the 2025 season.
During his time with the Panthers, Mays started 12 games and impressively allowed zero sacks while playing 726 snaps. His performance included an outstanding 94.3 percent run block win rate, showcasing his potential as a key player on the offensive line.
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 significant gap, and the team struggled at center in the subsequent season.
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 for the upcoming 2026 season.
Mays was previously cut by the Panthers at the end of training camp in 2024 but made a comeback by signing briefly with the New York Giants’ practice squad before returning to Carolina. His journey has been marked by resilience, as he started two games as a rookie, primarily as a fullback.
Observers noted that Mays showed why the competition for the starting job was close throughout training camp, indicating his readiness to take on a more significant role with the Lions.
As the Lions prepare for the new season, Mays is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening their offensive line. His experience and performance in the previous season position him as a valuable asset for the team.
With the signing of Cade Mays, the Lions aim to enhance their offensive capabilities and address the challenges they faced after Ragnow’s departure. The team’s management, including head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, are optimistic about the impact Mays will have moving forward.
As the 2026 season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Mays integrates into the Lions’ offensive strategy and whether he can maintain his impressive performance from last season.
