Cade Mays Signs with Detroit Lions
Cade Mays, who played college football at Georgia and Tennessee, has 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 joining the Lions, 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. Mays was drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Panthers, showcasing his versatility by playing all five offensive line positions during his career.
The Lions opted to sign Mays instead of moving Tate Ratledge to center, indicating their confidence in Mays’s abilities. Observers noted that Mays proved capable of manning the center position during his 12 starts for the Panthers last year, particularly being viewed favorably as a pass blocker.
With a total of 52 games played in his career, Mays brings valuable experience to the Lions’ offensive line. His signing is seen as a strategic move to bolster the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
Initial reactions to the signing have been positive, with some analysts stating, “The Lions made the right decision to sign Cade Mays in free agency.” There is a consensus that it was imperative for the Lions to secure a starting-caliber center this week.
As the Lions prepare for the upcoming season, Mays’s role will be crucial as they look to strengthen their offensive line and improve their overall performance. The team is expected to integrate him into their lineup as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how Mays will fit into the Lions’ overall strategy, but his signing marks a significant step in the team’s preparations.
