The Detroit Lions have their new starting center. After cutting last season’s starter, Graham Glasgow, last week, the Lions have his replacement. Cade Mays comes over from the Panthers to start in the middle of Detroit’s line, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The deal is worth $25 million over three years, per Aaron Wilson of KRPC.
A former sixth-round pick by the Panthers out of Tennessee in 2022, Mays played a depth role early in his career before being forced into the starting lineup in Carolina last season due to injuries. He played well, ranking inside PFF’s top 25 highest-graded centers. The Lions will hope he can provide some stability to an offense line that was a bit shaky last year.
The Detroit Lions Continue to Rebuild Their Offensive Line
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 05: Bryce Young #9 and Cade Mays #64 of the Carolina Panthers react in the game against the Miami Dolphins at Bank of America Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/Getty Images)
Coming into the offseason, getting better along the offensive line was the top priority for the Lions. Though strong offensive line play has been a hallmark of the Lions under HC Dan Campbell, the unit regressed in 2025. It’s a big reason why Detroit finished 9-8, missing the playoffs and coming last in the NFC North.
Last year’s staring center, Glasgow, has been cut. After refusing to take a pay cut, longtime Lions LT Taylor Decker is likely on his way out as well. RT Penei Sewell is among the best in the league, and the Lions have some young guards they like in Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany, but center and left tackle were big concerns.
Now with Mays in the fold, the hope is that the Lions have solved their center problem. More work is sure to be done on the offensive line.
The Detroit Lions Also Need to Focus Some Money on Defense
While reinforcing the offensive line was clearly the top priority for the Lions in free agency, it isn’t the only one. Detroit’s defense was a problem in 2025, ranking in the bottom half of the league in total defense, scoring defense, and pass defense. That unit has to improve if the Lions want to get back to the playoffs in 2026.
Improving the cornerback room and pass rush would be the obvious areas to address for the Lions. A combination of injuries and disappointing play from young corners led to an at-times catastrophic pass defense — and the Lions need more players who can get after the quarterback beyond just Aidan Hutchinson.
Free agency is one avenue to explore for these upgrades, but the Lions were already pressed for cap space before they signed Mays. Instead, they may look towards the draft to address their concerns on defense. This is a deep class at both edge defender and cornerback, which is great news for the Lions. Because they’re pick at No. 17, the top end of both groups will likely be off the board. But there should still be plenty of good options available to them throughout the draft.
Either way, signing Mays gives the Lions a big boost to their offensive line.
Lions Sign New Starting Center in Free Agency