Detroit Lions sign former Panthers center Cade Mays to 3-year, $25M deal

Mays has started 27 games over the past four seasons in Carolina and is seen as a good culture fit in Detroit.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with former Carolina Panthers center Cade Mays on a three-year, $25 million contract. Mays initially took over the starting center role in 2025 as an injury replacement for Austin Corbett, but ended up keeping the job even after Corbett returned from injury and moved to guard. While Mays has only started 27 games over his four-year career, he is seen as a player on the upswing who will provide stability to the Lions' offensive line.

Why it matters

The Lions were in need of a long-term solution at center after the retirement of Frank Ragnow, and Mays represents a younger, ascending player who can help solidify the interior of their offensive line. His signing is part of the Lions' efforts to build around quarterback Jared Goff and improve an offense that struggled at times last season.

The details

Mays took over the starting center job in Carolina in 2025 after initially being an injury replacement, and ended up keeping the role even when the previous starter, Austin Corbett, returned from injury and moved to guard. While his career numbers are modest with only 27 starts over four seasons, the Lions see Mays as a player on the upswing who can provide stability and leadership to their offensive line.

  • Mays initially took over the starting center role in Carolina in 2025 as an injury replacement.
  • Mays kept the starting center job even after Austin Corbett returned from injury and moved to guard.

The players

Cade Mays

A 27-game starting center over the past four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, who the Detroit Lions have signed to a three-year, $25 million contract.

Austin Corbett

The previous starting center for the Carolina Panthers, who moved to guard after Mays took over the center role in 2025.

Jared Goff

The starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions, who the team is hoping Mays can help provide stability and improvement for on the offensive line.

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What they’re saying

“Cade Mays is a good culture fit with Dan Campbell and the Lions. He's a tough, physical player who will help solidify their offensive line.”

— Mike Kaye, Panthers reporter (Yahoo Sports)

“While Mays' stats may not jump off the page, he's a player on the rise who can really help stabilize the center position for the Lions.”

— Panthers fan (Twitter)

What’s next

The Lions will look to integrate Mays into their offensive line during the offseason program and training camp, with the goal of having him as their starting center when the 2026 season kicks off.

The takeaway

Mays' signing represents a savvy move by the Lions to address a key need on their offensive line with a young, ascending player who has shown promise in Carolina. While he may not be a household name, Mays has the potential to be a stabilizing force up front and help the Lions improve an offense that struggled at times last season.