Detroit Lions Sign Top 50 Free Agent Cade Mays

The former Carolina Panthers lineman signed a 3-year, $25 million deal to shore up the Lions' offensive line.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:49am

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The Detroit Lions had a relatively quiet free agency period, but they did sign one 2026 free agent who landed in Sports Illustrated's recent Top 50 list. Cade Mays, a former Carolina Panthers lineman, signed a 3-year, $25 million contract with the Lions to fill a need at center. Head coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in Mays' ability to provide stability and versatility to the offensive line.

Why it matters

The Lions' offense had its ups and downs last season, leading to changes in the coaching staff. Signing Mays gives them a solid piece to build around on the offensive line, which should help quarterback Jared Goff and the running game.

The details

Mays, who was ranked 37th on SI's Top 50 free agents list, is expected to be the starting center for the Lions. The team had previously tried rookie Tate Ratledge at the position during training camp, but that experiment was short-lived. Veteran Graham Glasgow ended up starting at center last season, but the Lions decided to part ways with him after the 2025 season.

  • The Lions signed Mays to a 3-year, $25 million contract in March 2026.
  • Mays' contract includes $14 million in guaranteed money.

The players

Cade Mays

A former offensive lineman for the Carolina Panthers, Mays signed a 3-year, $25 million contract with the Detroit Lions to be their starting center.

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, who expressed confidence in Mays' ability to provide stability and versatility to the offensive line.

Jared Goff

The starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions, who is expected to benefit from the improved offensive line play with the addition of Mays.

Graham Glasgow

The veteran offensive lineman who started at center for the Lions last season, but was released after the 2025 season.

Tate Ratledge

A rookie offensive lineman who the Lions tried out at center during training camp, but the experiment was short-lived.

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What they’re saying

“I like where we're going. Getting Mays was good, Cade Mays was big. He gives us a centerpiece there at center. He can anchor, he keeps the pocket clean for Goff, and we don't feel limited in the run game by what he can do.”

— Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions

“Also can swing, he can play jumbo tight end. Those pieces alone help us, and then you get Scruggs. Last week, we got Ben Bartch. We feel like we've raised the floor, and we're not done. We've raised the floor, and now you can compete. Those guys have to try to compete with each other and try to see who comes out on top.”

— Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions

What’s next

The Lions are expected to continue to address their offensive line needs in the upcoming NFL Draft, with pundits projecting they could select another tackle as high as pick No. 17.

The takeaway

The signing of Cade Mays is a solid move by the Lions to shore up their offensive line and provide stability for their offense. With Mays anchoring the center position, the team can now focus on building around him and Jared Goff to improve their overall performance in the 2026 season.