The Arizona Cardinals faced a challenging season last year, with their offensive line ranked a disappointing #26. Injuries plagued the team, turning the line into a carousel of players. Notably, OG Will Hernandez suffered multiple injuries, and both starting tackles ended up on injured reserve.
Enter new coach Mike LaFleur, who might set his sights on Cade Mays in free agency. Mays, standing at 6-foot-6, brings versatility to the table, capable of playing both center and guard. Despite some athletic limitations, his 94.3% pass block win rate with the Panthers last season speaks volumes, ranking him 20th among 31 qualifying centers.
The Cardinals are in dire need of a revamped offensive line for the upcoming season. GM Monti Ossenfort faces the task of rebuilding, with options available in the NFL draft and free agency. Both guard and tackle positions are crying out for new talent.
Among the Cardinals’ free agents are OT Jonah Williams and OT Kelvin Beachum, while Hernandez has been re-signed. The team is poised to start the 2026 NFL season with a fresh look on the offensive line, possibly overhauling most positions and key backups. Center Hjalte Froholdt has shown his capability at center and guard, providing flexibility for offensive line coach Justin Frye.
Let's dive into what Cade Mays could bring to Arizona.
C/OG Cade Mays
- Team: Carolina Panthers
- Height/Weight: 6’6”, 325 pounds
- Age: 26
- NFL Draft: 2022, Round 6, Pick #199 (Panthers)
- PFF Ranking: 62.4
- Accolades: Second Team All-SEC (2021), SEC All-Freshman Team (2018)
- 40 Time: 5.24
- 2025 Season: 12 starts, 727 offensive snaps (81%)
Mays has a solid NFL resume with 52 games and 27 starts. A five-star high school prospect, he honed his skills in the competitive SEC at Georgia and Tennessee.
His broad frame and core strength make him a reliable center. Mays excels in drive-blocking and boasts the versatility to play center, both guard positions, and even tackle in high school. His lateral movement is patient and effective.
With powerful upper-body strength and aggressive hands, Mays matches power effectively. His pass punch is quick and assertive, though he can improve technique on double teams and down blocks. His pass blocking, graded at 69.4 by PFF, sometimes appears straight-legged.
Mays plays with a finisher’s mentality, showing a mean streak and solid run-blocking skills. His athletic build and wide base contribute to his effectiveness.
Mays embodies stability, earning $3.4 million last year and positioning himself for a promising payday. For the Cardinals, he could be a key piece in transforming their offensive line into a formidable unit.