Dan Campbell believes the Lions may have found a crucial piece for their offensive line. In a recent interview, Campbell praised new signing Cade Mays, even comparing his potential to a current Pro Bowl standout. The coach sees Mays as a future centerpiece for the offense.

In a one-on-one interview with team reporter Tim Twentyman, Dan Campbell spoke highly of offensive lineman Cade Mays, comparing him to Tyler Linderbaum.

“He and Linderbaum, we thought they were the two (best),” Campbell revealed. "We were fired up to be able to get him. That was big for us, man. Being able to get that centerpiece."

OL Cade Mays was signed by the Detroit Lions in this free agency period from the Carolina Panthers. 

Cade Mays was drafted by the Panthers in the 2022 NFL Draft in the sixth round as the 199th overall pick. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) data, he sits at a 62.4 PFF grade for 2025 with 726 snaps played. 

His stats show experience, but also room to grow into a full-time impact role. During this 2026 Annual League Meeting, Dan Campbell offered more praise for Cade Mays. 

“We liked Cade in this process. We felt like he really has grown…” The Lions’ head coach said. “Kinda came into his own, just really propelled himself, got better and better.”

Campbell gave more emphasis on how Mays could act like an anchor for Jared Goff in the field. Allowing Goff to do his thing in the field. 

The 26-year-old is known for his exceptional 6 ft 6 in body frame and his versatility. He holds experience of playing at center, guard, and tackle in the NFL and college.

“He can do everything…he upgrades us from where we were…that gives us a pivotal piece in the middle,” head coach Dan Campbell said. "He’s an ascending center.”

If that growth continues, Mays won’t just add depth, he could redefine the center position for Detroit.

How Cade Mays Fits Into Dan Campbell’s Offensive Line Plans

For the Detroit Lions, signing Cade Mays isn’t just about adding depth, it’s about stabilizing the interior pocket for Jared Goff. After Taylor Decker's departure, the team needs depth in the O-line.

Cade Mays brings flexibility, and that matters in the Lions’ system that values continuity up front.

Mays can slide across center, guard, or tackle, which gives Detroit options when injuries hit or matchups shift. 

More importantly, this is about protecting Jared Goff.

The comparison to Tyler Linderbaum shows the gap and the goal. Linderbaum, with 1,007 snaps and an 80.2 PFF grade, is known for elite athleticism, clean technique, and consistent run blocking. 

Clearly, Mays isn’t there yet, but that’s the projection Detroit is betting on.

Right now, it’s about development. If Mays closes that gap, he doesn’t just rotate, he becomes a long-term answer in the middle.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote