Jared Goff is getting much-needed protection. The Detroit Lions just made a significant move to bolster their offensive line, addressing a major weakness that emerged after Frank Ragnow's retirement.

Cade Mays signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the team. He also has a guaranteed $14 million from his salary.

With 94.3% run block win rate, Mays was one of the top 20 centers in the league, playing with the Panthers, and started 12 games. In a total of 14 games, the 26-year-old center player allowed zero sacks over 726 snaps.

Since Ragnow’s retirement last season, the Lions have suffered a lot due to the absence of a certified center. The result was Jared Goff getting sacked 38 times in the season while getting the 2nd most passing yards in the league (4564). With a strong offensive line, Goff can once again take the team to the playoffs.

The Lions GM Brad Holmes had indicated the team might substitute the position with a player from the roster, most likely right guard Tate Ratledge.

“It’s a very important position," Holmes said. "You’ve got to handle a lot of information.”

However, the biggest question after is pretty obvious. However, the biggest question remains whether he would be able to stand among the contenders.

Detroit Lions add another crucial piece to their offensive lineup

The Lions added yet another offensive piece to their roster in the 2026 free agency. They signed veteran offensive lineman Larry Borom to a new deal. He played his 2025 season with the Miami Dolphins.

The former Birmingham Brother Rice standout is a Detroit native and a versatile offensive player. He has 2,566 career snaps, playing as a right tackle. Borom has also appeared as a left and right guard. Last season with the Dolphins, he allowed 15 pressures and two sacks.

The Lions' move to retool their offense was expected before the offseason. They had occasionally struggled in their offensive game last season.

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Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar