The Carolina Panthers took the difficult decision to let starting center Cade Mays walk in free agency. He found work quickly, signing a decent contract with the Detroit Lions that general manager Dan Morgan was in no position to match.
Unfortunately for Mays, things have taken an extremely concerning turn.
According to reports that were later confirmed by Lions head coach Dan Campbell, the former Tennessee standout suffered a significant wrist injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for 8-10 weeks. This is a hammer blow to the player and his new team, especially considering Mays had made a smooth transition to a different environment this summer.
Cade Mays dealt crushing injury blow with the Lions after Carolina Panthers exit
Campbell looked frustrated after revealing the extent of Mays' issue. He is also eager to see what his backup options can do with the 2022 sixth-round pick set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
"Of course, you hate it. I hate it for him because I felt like he was having a good camp and he had grown so much in our system just since spring. In that regard, yeah, and for us, too, but at the same time, there, again, there's a reason why we have Juice [Scruggs] here, too, and some of these other guys and they're going to get a look."
The Panthers needed to get cheaper along their protection, and Mays was the one to make way. That was a business decision and nothing more from Morgan, because the interior lineman's production when installed into the starting lineup couldn't have been more encouraging.
It was also enough for the Lions to take the plunge on a three-year, $25 million deal with a $6.48 million signing bonus and $14 million guaranteed. Not bad for someone languishing on the New York Giants practice squad before Carolina brought him back in 2024, but now Mays has a fresh obstacle to overcome.
Mays should still provide real value for this financial commitment, but it won't be right away.
As for the Panthers? They are moving forward with Luke Fortner as their starting veteran presence at center. Rookie fifth-round pick Sam Hecht will back him up, but it might take a little longer to pick things up after a rollercoaster start to his NFL journey.
Those plans no longer include Mays, which was a contentious decision. The Lions believed enough in his capabilities to make him a high-priority signing when the legal tampering window opened. This wrist injury is a bump in the road, so Detroit just has to tread water and hope they are still in the playoff hunt when he gets the all-clear to resume football activities.
Whether they can or not is another matter.
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