The Detroit Lions are approaching the 2026 free agency with a strategic mindset, aiming to balance immediate needs without compromising their long-term financial health. With key players like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell potentially up for contract restructuring, the Lions are navigating a tight cap space situation.
Detroit faces several roster gaps-particularly at center, tackle, safety, pass rusher, and possibly linebacker. Financial constraints mean they can only make significant investments in one or two of these areas.
The center position stands out as a critical need, especially after the challenges experienced with Graham Glasgow snapping to Jared Goff. The draft might offer prospects, but the Lions need a proven starter.
Enter Carolina Panthers center Cade Mays as a potential solution. Mays has shown impressive stats, allowing just 21 pressures and zero sacks over 756 pass-blocking snaps.
His pass-blocking efficiency, rated at 98.6 by Pro Football Focus, ranks him ninth among centers in 2025. In comparison, Tyler Linderbaum, another top free agent, finished 30th with a 97.2 rating, allowing 26 pressures and two sacks.
Opting for Mays could be a savvy move for Detroit, avoiding a hefty payout for Linderbaum. At 26, Mays presents a promising investment, allowing Tate Ratledge to stay at right guard, where he excelled as a rookie. While the draft will provide opportunities to bolster the tackle and interior line depth, exploring free agency for strategic signings like Mays is crucial.
If the Lions decide against a major trade for a pass rusher and focus on the draft instead, they'll have the flexibility to bring in Mays and address other needs like tackle, pass rusher, or linebacker. Given the current cap situation, pursuing Linderbaum seems unlikely, making Mays a practical and potentially impactful choice.