Yesterday, Brad Holmes significantly strengthened the Detroit Lions’ biggest area of need, the offensive line, by acquiring new starting center Cade Mays.
Why Brad Holmes’ Signing Cade Mays Is A Good Fit for the Lions
After the retirement of All-Pro Frank Ragnow and the recent departures of veterans Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow, rebuilding Detroit’s offensive line became the Lions’ number one priority.
A premium free agent center who could immediately make a major impact was the best option. However, finding a talented player who fit that description within the cash-strapped Lions’ budget was going to be a challenge. Given the Lions’ over-budget salary cap, it was obvious that former Baltimore Ravens’ Tyler Linderbaum was never going to be an option for Detroit.
Lions Weren’t Going To Get Tyler Linderbaum
Instead, while the Las Vegas Raiders were splashing out $81 million on a new three-year agreement for Linderbaum, Holmes acquired a talented veteran center for significantly less money. His free agency signing of former Carolina Panthers center Mays looks like a grade-A move.
Instead of participating in the Linderbaum bidding war that culminated in $27 million per year, Holmes negotiated a savvy deal to acquire a highly-regarded NFL center for a three-year $25 million contract ($8.3 million per year). In a list identifying the top NFL free agent centers last January, Mays was widely considered the second-best free agent option. At the time, he was projected to command an average salary of $12 million per year,
Now, Mays joins Penei Sewell and Tate Ratledge, anchoring Detroit’s depleted offensive line. Jared Goff gains a quality center who didn’t give up a single sack over the last two seasons. In 2025, Mays earned a 69.4 PFF pass block grade, allowing only three quarterback hits and nine pressures in 726 snaps. In addition to being a strong pass protector, the 6’6”, 325 lb., 26-year-old proved to be a smart and disciplined player who only gave up two penalties in 2025.
While Mays’ run block grade of 58.4 could stand to improve, he will undoubtedly benefit from coaching by Hank Fraley and Dan Skipper.
Mays’ Collegiate Background
In addition, Mays brings offensive line versatility. He initially began his collegiate career as a Georgia Bulldog in 2018, playing right guard. In 2020, he entered the transfer portal to play for Tennessee. As a senior, Mays took over as the starting right tackle. Described as “An elite and versatile local offensive lineman poised for a promising career at the next level … Can play every position on the line and was an All-SEC recipient in his final season.”
Drafted by the Panthers in the sixth round of the 2022 Draft, he was initially projected to be an “average” starter.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein described him as follows: “Offensive line prospect with five-position experience, a broad frame and good overall strength. He has good length and can play square against bigger, odd-front defenders, which is extremely valuable at center. He needs to stay under his pads and play with a wider base on a more consistent basis. However, he has drive-blocking talent and should benefit from his pass protection experience. Mays has the potential to become a starting center in time.”
Although Zierlein downgraded him for missing multiple games due to injury, Mays has been very reliable in his NFL career. He missed a few games due to illness and a minor ankle injury with the Panthers. However, he is regarded as a very durable player.
Making A Strong Impression as a Backup
In Week 8 of the 2024 season, Mays took over at center to replace an injured player. By the time the starter returned in Week 12, Mays had become the team’s preferred option at center.
However, the following season, Mays lost the training camp battle to starting center Austin Corbett. But when Corbett was injured once again, Mays resumed the starting position. By that point, Mays had proven himself to the Panthers’ loyal fan base.
When Corbett was about to come off injured reserve, Panthers Nations sent a strongly worded message to Panthers head coach, Dave Canales, “Keep Cade Mays’ Bojangles duck hunting big country butt in the middle of the line. Please.”
Final Thoughts
It’s a promising sign when a replacement player inspires such ardent support that the fan base demands he is allowed to continue in the starting role. Obviously, Mays’s presence made a tremendous difference on the Panthers’ offensive line.
Mays is a quality young center with superior pass-blocking skills who will help stabilize the Lions’ offensive line. While he must learn Drew Petzing’s offense, Mays is a quick learner who can transition to multiple roles. For an offensive line that has endured significant injuries and challenges, he offers positional versatility. Despite Mays’ obvious talents, Holmes was able to acquire him at a reasonable price point.