Cade Montgomery Mays (born April 26, 1999) is an American professional football center for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee Volunteers. Mays was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft.
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College career
Mays started his college career at Georgia. As a freshman in 2018, he earned Freshman All-American honors as well as being selected to the SEC All-Freshman Team. During his two years with the Bulldogs, he had at least one start for each position across the offensive line. After the 2019 season, he transferred to Tennessee. He then played two years for the Volunteers, primarily at the right tackle position. Following the conclusion of his final collegiate season in 2021, he earned a second-team All-SEC selection by the Associated Press and conference coaches.
Professional career
Carolina Panthers (first stint)
Mays was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 6th round of the 2022 NFL Draft, being selected 199th overall. He made his NFL debut in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He made his first start in Week 12 against the Denver Broncos. He appeared in 11 games and made two starts in his rookie season.
In the 2023 season, Mays appeared in 16 games and started five.
On August 28, 2024, Mays was released by the Panthers.
New York Giants
On September 10, 2024, Mays was signed to the New York Giants practice squad.
Carolina Panthers (second stint)
On October 8, 2024, Mays was re-signed by the Carolina Panthers off the Giants practice squad.
On March 12, 2025, the Panthers placed an original-round tender on Mays. He was named the starting center in Week 3 following an injury to Austin Corbett, and started 12 games on the season.
Detroit Lions
On March 9, 2026, Mays signed with the Detroit Lions on a three-year contract worth $25 million.
On August 10, 2026, it was announced that Mays fractured a bone in his wrist during training camp practice and was expected to miss 8-10 weeks. He was placed on injured reserve on August 30.
Personal life
Mays enjoys fishing and is an avid hunter. He collects turkey stones as a hobby.
Both his father, Kevin, and younger brother, Cooper, played as linemen for Tennessee from 1991-1994 and 2020-2024, respectively.