Detroit Lions center Cade Mays has become one of the most talked-about offensive linemen entering the 2026 NFL season. After signing a lucrative free-agent deal with Detroit, Mays was expected to replace a major piece of the Lions’ offensive line. However, an early training camp injury has temporarily slowed his debut.
Here’s everything you need to know about Cade Mays, including his Lions contract, injury status, PFF grades, career stats, and what his future looks like.
Who is Cade Mays?
Cade Mays is an American football center who currently plays for the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Born on April 26, 1999, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mays played college football at Georgia before transferring to Tennessee, where he became one of the SEC’s top offensive linemen.
The Carolina Panthers selected him in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After developing into a starting center, he entered free agency and signed with Detroit in 2026.
Cade Mays Joins the Detroit Lions
The Lions made strengthening the offensive line a priority during the 2026 offseason, signing Cade Mays to become their projected starting center following major changes up front.
Detroit believes Mays brings versatility, toughness, and experience after starting multiple games with Carolina. Coaches expected him to anchor the interior offensive line in the upcoming season.
Cade Mays Injury Update
Unfortunately for Detroit, Mays suffered a significant wrist injury during training camp.
Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed that the injury is expected to sideline him for approximately 8 to 10 weeks, leaving the Lions searching for temporary replacements at center before the regular season begins. The team remains hopeful he can return later in the season after rehabilitation.
Cade Mays Contract Details
The Detroit Lions signed Cade Mays to a three-year contract worth $25 million during the 2026 NFL free agency period.
According to reported contract details:
- Contract Length: 3 years
- Total Value: $25 million
- Guaranteed Money: Approximately $14 million
- Average Annual Salary: Around $8.3 million
The deal reflects Detroit’s confidence that Mays can become a long-term starter in the middle of its offensive line.
Cade Mays PFF Grades
Pro Football Focus graded Mays as a solid starting center during the 2025 season.
His reported grades include:
- Overall PFF Grade: 62.4
- Pass Blocking Grade: 69.4
- Run Blocking Grade: 58.5
His pass protection ranked among the better centers in the NFL, while his run-blocking remains an area for improvement entering the 2026 season.
Cade Mays Career Stats
Through the conclusion of the 2025 season, Mays has compiled:
- Games Played: 52
- Games Started: 27
- Primary Position: Center
- NFL Teams:
- Carolina Panthers
- New York Giants (practice squad)
- Detroit Lions
His experience at multiple offensive line positions has made him a valuable asset throughout his NFL career.
College Career
Mays entered college football as one of the nation’s highest-rated offensive line recruits.
His journey included:
- Georgia Bulldogs (2018–2019)
- Tennessee Volunteers (2020–2021)
While at Tennessee, he earned Second-Team All-SEC honors and showcased the versatility to play nearly every offensive line position.
What Cade Mays Brings to Detroit
Even though he isn’t considered an elite offensive lineman, Mays offers several qualities Detroit values:
- Strong interior pass protection
- Positional versatility
- NFL starting experience
- Physical run-blocking potential
- Reliable communication at center
The Lions believe he can stabilize the offensive line once healthy.
Outlook for the 2026 Season
If Mays returns on schedule from his wrist injury, he is expected to reclaim the starting center job later in the season.
Detroit’s offensive success depends heavily on protecting its quarterback and maintaining one of the league’s strongest rushing attacks. A healthy Cade Mays could play a significant role in achieving those goals despite the disappointing injury setback early in training camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Cade Mays?
Cade Mays is an NFL center for the Detroit Lions and a former standout offensive lineman at Georgia and Tennessee.
What injury does Cade Mays have?
He suffered a significant wrist injury during the 2026 Detroit Lions training camp and is expected to miss around 8–10 weeks.
How much is Cade Mays’ contract?
He signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Detroit Lions, including approximately $14 million guaranteed.
What is Cade Mays’ PFF grade?
For the 2025 season, Pro Football Focus gave Mays a 62.4 overall grade, including a 69.4 pass-blocking grade.
What are Cade Mays‘ NFL stats?
Through the 2025 season, he has appeared in 52 NFL games with 27 starts, primarily at center
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