Lions Sign Center Cade Mays to Contract

Former Panthers starter joins Detroit's offensive line

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Detroit Lions have reached an agreement with free agent center Cade Mays, who started 12 games for the Carolina Panthers in the 2025 NFL season. The 26-year-old Mays, a 2022 sixth-round draft pick out of Tennessee, impressed with his pass protection and run blocking during his time in Carolina.

Why it matters

The Lions have been looking to bolster their offensive line this offseason, and the addition of Mays provides them with an experienced and talented center to anchor the unit. Mays' strong performance in 2025 suggests he could be a long-term solution at the position for Detroit.

The details

Mays took over as the Panthers' starting center in 2025 after Austin Corbett suffered a knee injury in Week 2. Mays went on to start 12 games, not allowing a single sack over 726 offensive snaps and posting a 94.3% run block win rate that ranked among the top 20 centers in the league.

  • Mays was a 2022 sixth-round draft pick out of the University of Tennessee.
  • He started 12 games for the Carolina Panthers in the 2025 NFL season.
  • Mays has now signed a contract with the Detroit Lions for the 2026 season.

The players

Cade Mays

A 26-year-old center who started 12 games for the Carolina Panthers in 2025 after taking over for the injured Austin Corbett.

Austin Corbett

The Panthers' starting center who suffered a left knee MCL injury in Week 2 of the 2025 season, allowing Mays to take over the starting role.

Detroit Lions

The NFL team that has signed Cade Mays to a contract for the 2026 season, bolstering their offensive line.

Carolina Panthers

The NFL team that Cade Mays played for in 2025 before signing with the Detroit Lions.

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What’s next

Mays will join the Lions' offensive line for the 2026 NFL season, where he will look to build on his strong 2025 campaign with the Panthers.

The takeaway

The Lions' signing of Cade Mays is a savvy move to strengthen their offensive line, as the young center has proven he can be a reliable starter in the NFL after his breakout 2025 season with the Panthers.