Detroit Lions Add Veteran Larry Borom to Strengthen Offensive Line The Detroit Lions are expanding their offensive line on the first day of free agency by signing veteran left tackle Larry Borom, according to reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. This follows the team’s earlier move to bring in Cade Mays from the Panthers to serve as their starting center. Rapoport highlighted that offensive line support was a key priority for the Lions, emphasizing the need for depth and versatility as the team undergoes a significant overhaul of its front line. Borom, a former fifth-round draft pick by the Bears in 2021, spent last season with the Dolphins, where he primarily played as a tackle. His ability to adapt to both guard and tackle positions makes him a valuable addition for the Lions, who are looking to address gaps on their offensive line. While Borom is likely to serve as a swing tackle for Detroit, his experience could also position him as a potential replacement for Taylor Decker at left tackle, should the need arise. The Lions’ offensive line has already undergone substantial changes compared to last season. Decker, who was a key player at left tackle, is no longer with the team, as is former starting guard/center Graham Glasgow. Mays’ arrival as the new center marks a shift in the team’s approach, while young guards Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany are expected to take on more prominent roles unless Borom displaces one of them. Reports suggest the Lions may also consider moving All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell to left tackle, further indicating the team’s willingness to make adjustments. However, the need for a reliable left tackle remains, and Borom’s signing provides immediate depth in that area.#ian_rapoport #tom_pelissero #detroit_lions #cade_mays #larry_borom
Carolina Panthers facing potential loss of starting center Cade Mays to Detroit Lions in free agency The Carolina Panthers may be without their starting center for the upcoming season after the Detroit Lions reportedly signed Cade Mays to a three-year, $25 million contract. According to NFL analyst Joe Person of The Athletic, the deal marks a significant move for the Lions, who are looking to bolster their offensive line. Mays, a key player for the Panthers in 2025, started 12 games for the team during the regular season. Mays was selected by the Panthers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft from the University of Tennessee. He made seven starts over his first 27 professional games through the 2023 season before being released in the summer of 2024. After a brief stint with the New York Giants, Mays returned to Carolina in October 2024. He then solidified his role as the team’s center, starting eight of the final 11 games of the season. Despite losing the offseason competition for the starting center position to veteran Austin Corbett, Mays reclaimed the role by Week 3 of the 2025 season. His performance throughout the year demonstrated his value to the Panthers’ offensive line, but the Lions’ offer appears to have convinced him to pursue a new opportunity. The Panthers’ decision to let Mays go comes amid a broader reshaping of their roster during the 2026 free agency period. The team’s offensive line has been a focus of improvement, and the loss of Mays could force them to address the position sooner than expected. Fans and analysts will now closely monitor how the Panthers plan to replace him, as the offensive line’s stability is critical to the team’s success in the upcoming season.#detroit_lions #cade_mays #carolina_panthers #austin_corbett #university_of_tennessee
Detroit Lions Secure New Center Cade Mays in Three-Year Deal The Detroit Lions have finalized a three-year, $25 million contract with former Carolina Panthers starting center Cade Mays, marking a significant addition to their offensive line. According to Aaron Wilson, the deal includes $14 million in guaranteed money. Mays, who was selected by the Panthers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, will turn 27 in April. During his time with the Panthers, he has appeared in 52 games, starting 27 of them. In the past two seasons, he has started 20 games without allowing a single sack. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 325 pounds, Mays is a physically imposing lineman who relies on power to dominate at the point of attack. However, his athletic ability also allows him to move effectively, making him a versatile threat in both run and pass protection. This season, Mays recorded 793 snaps on offense, the most in his four-year career. Over the past two seasons, he has accumulated more than 1,200 snaps at center, demonstrating his reliability and experience. His pass-blocking performance has been particularly impressive, with just 21 pressures and zero sacks allowed across 756 snaps. Pro Football Focus data highlights Mays’ efficiency in pass protection, ranking him ninth among 35 qualifying centers with an efficiency score of 98.6. For comparison, Linderbaum, who finished 30th with an efficiency score of 97.2, allowed 26 pressures and two sacks across 536 snaps in 2025. These numbers underscore Mays’ ability to minimize disruptions in the pocket, a critical skill for a center in today’s NFL. The Lions’ decision to sign Mays comes after a challenging offseason for their offensive line.#detroit_lions #cade_mays #carolina_panters #aaron_wilson #pro_football_focus
Detroit Lions Sign Free-Agent Center Cade Mays The Detroit Lions have finalized a three-year, $25 million contract with free-agent center Cade Mays, according to a league source speaking to The Detroit News. The deal, which includes $14 million in guaranteed money, marks Mays as the eighth-highest paid center in the NFL with an average annual value of $8.3 million. This signing is seen as a significant move for Lions general manager Brad Holmes, who had previously identified Mays as a top target in the offseason. Mays, 26, was among the most sought-after centers in free agency. His contract comes amid a challenging market for the position, as several high-profile players either re-signed with their current teams or signed with other franchises. For instance, Connor McGovern, another top target, re-signed with the Buffalo Bills just days before free agency closed. Meanwhile, Tyler Linderbaum, widely regarded as the top center available, is expected to join the Las Vegas Raiders on a three-year, $81 million deal. Mays’ professional journey began with his college careers at Georgia and Tennessee. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. Over his four seasons with the team, Mays has started 27 games, including 12 contests during the 2025 season. His signing allows the Lions to continue developing Tate Ratledge at right guard without being forced to move him to a different position. The deal underscores the Lions’ commitment to strengthening their offensive line, a critical area for their success. With Mays joining the roster, the team aims to build a more stable and versatile unit capable of supporting their quarterback and protecting the ball carrier.#las_vegas_raiders #detroit_lions #cade_mays #brad_holmes #tate_ratledge
