The Lions signed center Cade Mays to a $25M, 3-year deal with $14M guaranteed, making him their new starter after Frank Ragnow retired.

The Detroit Lions signed center Cade Mays to a three-year, $25 million contract with $14 million guaranteed, securing him as their new starting center after Frank Ragnow’s retirement. Mays, a former Tennessee player and sixth-round pick in 2022, started 12 games for the Carolina Panthers in 2025, allowing zero sacks and just 11 quarterback pressures while committing only two penalties. The move stabilizes the Lions’ interior offensive line, allowing rookie Tate Ratledge to remain at right guard. The signing marks a key step in the team’s offseason overhaul as free agency begins.