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. The 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 and has experience at all five offensive line positions.
The Lions opted to sign Mays instead of moving Tate Ratledge to center, indicating their confidence in Mays’s abilities. Observers note that Mays proved capable of manning the center position during his 12 starts for the Panthers last year, where he was viewed favorably as a pass blocker.
In total, Mays has played in 52 games throughout his career, showcasing his versatility and reliability on the offensive line. His signing is seen as a strategic move for the Lions as they look to strengthen their roster.
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.” The importance of securing a starting-caliber center was emphasized, highlighting the significance of this acquisition for the team’s future.
As the Lions prepare for the upcoming season, Mays’s addition to the roster is expected to bolster their offensive line and enhance their overall performance. Observers are keen to see how Mays will integrate into the team’s system and contribute to their success.
