Cade Mays Signs with Detroit Lions
Cade Mays, who played college football at Georgia and Tennessee, has officially signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Detroit Lions. This contract includes $14 million in guaranteed money, making Mays the eighth-highest paid center in the NFL with an average annual value of $8.3 million.
Prior to this signing, Mays spent four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, where he started 27 games. Last season, he played 12 games as a starter and took 433 snaps at guard during the 2023 season. His versatility is notable, as he has experience at all five offensive line positions, having played offensive tackle full-time in his final year at Tennessee in 2021.
The Lions opted to sign Mays instead of moving Tate Ratledge to center, indicating their confidence in Mays’s abilities. Observers have praised Mays for his performance, particularly noting that he was viewed favorably as a pass blocker when lined up at center.
In total, Mays has played in 52 games throughout his career, showcasing his durability and skill on the field. His signing is seen as a strategic move for the Lions, who were in need of a starting-caliber center.
Initial reactions from analysts suggest that the Lions made the right decision to secure Mays in free agency. One commentator remarked, “It was imperative in my view the Lions left this week with a starting-caliber center,” highlighting the importance of this acquisition.
As Mays transitions to his new role with the Lions, expectations are high for his contributions to the team’s offensive line. The Lions are looking to build on their recent performances, and Mays’s experience and skill set will be crucial as they move forward in the upcoming season.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific impact Mays will have on the team’s overall strategy, but his proven track record in the NFL provides a solid foundation for optimism.
