The Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line was ranked #26 last year. Lots of players became injured, and at one time, it was a revolving door of new bodies. OG Will Hernandez was hurt, then returned, then got injured again. Both starting tackles ended up on IR.
New coach Mike LaFleur could look at Mays in free agency because of his versatility along the front. While he does have some athletic limitations, Mays is a capable starter at 6-foot-6 and can play the center and guard positions. He had a 94.3% pass block win rate last season with the Panthers, which ranked 20th out of 31 qualifying centers.
Something has to be done for this upcoming season.
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Arizona GM Monti Ossenfort will need to fix the offensive line this offseason. There are plenty of options in April’s NFL draft in all rounds. Then, there is the free agency route, which would bring in some seasoned veterans. Both the guard and tackle spots need new bodies.
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The Cardinals’ free agents this year are OT Jonah Williams and OT Kelvin Beachum. Hernandez was a free agent but has since been re-signed.
Arizona will go into the 2026 NFL season with a completely new offensive line that might be rebuilt at most positions and key backup roles. Center Hjalte Froholdt has done an excellent job manning the center position. But he has also played quite a bit at guard in the NFL as well as in college. Adding Mays, this gives offensive line coach Justin Frye some options with both the center and guard positions.
The front office will need to bring in some new bodies either through free agency or April’s NFL draft.
Let’s look at what Mays can offer the Cardinals.
C/OG Cade Mays
Carolina Panthers
6’-6”, 325 pounds
NFL draft: 2022 Round 6, pick #199 (Panthers)
PFF ranking: 62.4
Accolades: Second Team All-SEC (2021), SEC All-Freshman Team (2018)
40 time: 5.24
2025 season: 12 starts, 727 offensive snaps (81%)
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Mays has played in 52 NFL games with 27 starts. He came out of high school as a five-star prospect at the tackle position. He then played in a tough conference at both Georgia and Tennessee all four years of college.
He has a broad frame and very good core strength. As a center, he plays consistently. He has drive-blocking talent. Versatility is his superpower, as he can play center and both guard positions, and both tackle positions in high school. Patient lateral movement up to moving targets.
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Has good upper-body power and violent hands. Mays does a good job at matching power with power. Quick press and extend in his pass punch.
He does lack technique on double teams and down blocks, and his pass blocking can be a bit straight-legged, although his PFF pass blocking grade was 69.4.
Mays has a finisher’s mentality and plays with a mean streak. Solid positional run blocker. Good knee bend and operates out of a wide base. Athletic build.
He is the very sign of stability. He made $3.4 million last year and is now in line for a good payday.
Projection: Three years, $37 million