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Cade Mays
OL · DET

Cade Mays

Position OL
Team DET
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Cade Mays

NFL player. Position: OL (Center). Team: DET (Detroit Lions).

Quick Facts

  • Position: Center (OL)
  • Team: DET (Detroit Lions)
  • Contract: 3-year, $25M extension (signed 2026 offseason)

2026 Outlook

Cade Mays was signed to a 3-year, $25 million deal with the Lions in the 2026 offseason as one of the most coveted interior offensive linemen in free agency. The deal included a $6.48 million signing bonus, $14 million total guaranteed, and an $8.33 million average annual salary (10th among centers). However, his 2026 season is now in serious jeopardy after suffering a wrist fracture at Lions training camp. Ian Rapoport reported the injury is expected to sideline Mays for 8-10 weeks. This represents a critical blow for Detroit's offensive line, which was already set to look very different in 2026 after moving All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell to left tackle and drafting Blake Miller at right tackle. Center was Detroit's weakest interior position in 2025—the team had to bring back Frank Ragnow out of retirement in late November, though he suffered a hamstring injury and has ruled out another comeback attempt. The Lions are now forced to start either Seth McLaughlin (undrafted free agent signed to reserve/future contract in January after stint with Cincinnati) or Juice Scruggs (traded to Detroit for David Montgomery; started 20 games in three seasons for Houston and was widely rated as one of the worst starting interior linemen in the NFL). The loss of Mays significantly impacts offensive line cohesion heading into the season. (per NFL News: Detroit Lions Lose Key Starter to 'Significant' Injury - Yahoo Sports)

Role / Depth Chart

Starting center for Detroit Lions offensive line. Signed to bolster the line after prior-season injuries.

Injury Status

August 10, 2026 — Wrist fracture: Mays suffered a fracture in a small bone in his wrist at Lions training camp. Ian Rapoport reported the injury is expected to sideline him for at least 8-10 weeks, though the exact return timeline depends on healing and clearance. The injury is categorized as significant but not career-threatening; the Lions expect him back at some point during the 2026 season. However, missing 8-10 weeks puts his availability for the start of the regular season in serious question.

August 27 roster cut strategy: The Lions will likely use one of their two new IR-to-return spots on Mays' injury for the August 30 roster cuts. This new NFL rule allows teams to place two players on injured reserve on cutdown day with the eligibility to return after a minimum of four games. With Mays' injury expected to last "at least another month," he will take up one of the two IR-to-return spots, meaning he won't need to make the 53-man roster but can return mid-season without losing a permanent roster slot (per 4 roster cuts rules you need to know and what they mean for the Lions).

Recent News

Open Questions

  • Timeline for Cade Mays' return to practice and games after wrist injury
  • Who will start at center for Detroit while Mays recovers?

Sources

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