On Monday, the Detroit Lions kicked off their free agency by agreeing to terms with offensive lineman Cade Mays. The starting center position was one of the biggest question marks facing the Lions heading into the offseason. Detroit showed real urgency, opting to sign a more proven player with experience and upside like Mays in favor of moving Tate Ratledge to center. But what exactly are the Lions getting in Mays? How was he viewed by Panthers’ fans, and why did he ultimately choose to leave Carolina?
To get the inside scoop, we spoke with Walker Clement—Deputy Brand Manager for Cat Scratch Reader—who watched Mays closely during his four seasons in Carolina. Here’s some cursory thoughts on the Lions newest center.
1. A late-round pick in 2022, Cade Mays has played in 52 games and started in 27 of those. He’s got experience at both guard spots and center, but settled into the middle of Carolina’s offensive line the last two years. Does it feel like center is the position he’s best suited for moving forward?
Yes. His experience at both guard spots is a plus, but simply comes from necessity. The Panthers have dealt with so many offensive lone injuries at all five positions over the past four years that I am honestly surprised Mays never started at tackle.
2. Some advanced metrics look favorably on Mays as a pass blocker when he’s lined up at center. What about his skill set makes him so effective as a pass blocker? What areas is he susceptible to getting beat in this respect?
I am no offensive line expert. Mays was night and day better than Austin Corbett, who often started over Mays, largely and simply due to his youth and relative athleticism.
3. There’s some impressive tape out there of Mays as a run blocker and a guy who moves the line of scrimmage. PFF, on the other hand, hasn’t graded him so kindly in run blocking. What’s the good, the bad, and the truth of him as a run blocker?
He’s acceptable and was surrounded by road graders in Carolina. He won’t elevate the talent around him, but neither will he make your line a sum lesser than its parts, if you take my meaning.
4. What stood out most about Mays’ intangibles—whether it was his leadership, work ethic, competitiveness, or another quality—that made him valuable to the Panthers? Do you think the Panthers made a mistake in not re-signing him at the term he’s reportedly agreed to in Detroit?
He’s smart and plays fast. Where Corbett would get blown off the ball while getting his gears to spin up, Mays would attack his assignments and rarely miss them. He isn’t a world-beater, but I do question the Panthers decision not to keep him for line continuity without an obvious back up plan.
