Chargers Sign Center Tyler Biadasz, Hurting Panthers' Chances of Retaining Cade Mays

The Panthers will likely need to find a new starting center as Mays is expected to command a high price in free agency.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Carolina Panthers are expected to lose starting center Cade Mays in free agency, as he is likely to be too expensive for the team to re-sign. The Los Angeles Chargers have signed former Washington Commanders center Tyler Biadasz, who could have been a potential replacement for Mays. This signing reduces the Panthers' options to find a new starting center and increases the competition for Mays' services.

Why it matters

The loss of Mays would be a blow to the Panthers' offense, as he had good chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young. Finding a suitable replacement at center will be crucial for the team as they look to build around their young QB. The Chargers' signing of Biadasz removes one potential option and makes it more likely that Mays will command a high price on the open market.

The details

Cade Mays is expected to sign for around $12 million per year in free agency, which is too rich for the Panthers' current salary cap situation. The Chargers have signed Tyler Biadasz, a former Commanders center, to a 3-year, $30 million contract. Biadasz would have been a potential replacement for Mays, but now that he is off the market, the Panthers will have to look elsewhere to find a new starting center.

  • On March 6, 2026, the Chargers signed Tyler Biadasz to a 3-year, $30 million contract.
  • Cade Mays is expected to hit free agency in the coming weeks.

The players

Cade Mays

The Carolina Panthers' starting center, who is expected to command a high price in free agency that the team may not be able to afford.

Tyler Biadasz

The former Washington Commanders center who has signed a 3-year, $30 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Bryce Young

The Carolina Panthers' young quarterback, who had good chemistry with Cade Mays as the team's starting center.

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What’s next

The Panthers will need to explore other options to replace Cade Mays at center, either through the draft or by signing a free agent. They will face stiff competition for Mays' services, as his expected price tag may be too high for the team's current salary cap situation.

The takeaway

The Chargers' signing of Tyler Biadasz removes a potential replacement option for the Panthers, making it more likely that Cade Mays will depart in free agency. This will force the Panthers to find a new starting center, which could disrupt the chemistry between the offensive line and quarterback Bryce Young as the team looks to build around their young signal-caller.