Newly Signed Cade Mays Reveals What It's Like Being Jared Goff's Teammate
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
For a veteran offensive lineman, adapting to a new offense can be one of the most difficult challenges in football. For the newly signed center, Cade Mays, he has a quarterback who is making it easier for him.
Mays has recently entered Detroit, and Jared Goff is helping him ease into the transition. He has stepped into a complex scheme while building a bond with one of the NFL's most respected QBs.
"But I feel like we've done a great job this week," said Mays in the interview posted on The Detroit Lions YouTube channel. "Jared's been awesome with helping me with the questions I have and the looks. It's been great. I feel like we're going to really good up front."
The statement speaks a lot about Goff's reputation inside the locker room. For a center willing to learn new protections and pre-snap responsibilities, having a QB who will teach can speed up the learning.
Dec 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) is seen during warmups prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) is seen during warmups prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Mays' transition is important because the center position serves as the nerve center of the offensive line. The role needs constant communication with the QB; developing trust between the two players is essential.
The Detroit Lions signed Mays after a stint with the Carolina Panthers, where he turned out to be a reliable starter and showed his versatility up front. In the 2024-25 season, he has played 52 games and recorded 803 pass-blocking snaps.
In those 2 seasons, Mays achieved a record of allowing zero sacks. The Lions believe he can maintain the high standard established by one of the NFL's best offensive lines.
"I Fit In As Soon As I Got Here," Claims Cade Mays
Cade Mays is feeling comfortable with his new team. Speaking in the same interview about his shift to Detroit, Mays said he fit in immediately after arriving, crediting the culture and people of the franchise.
"I feel like I fit in as soon as I got here," said Mays in an interview with the media. "Like I said, they welcomed me with open arms and we just kind of hit the ground running."
After signing with the Lions this offseason, Mays has embraced the team's mindset. He noted that Detroit's approach to football aligns perfectly with his own style of play, helping him settle in since day one.
Mays is expected to play an important role in maintaining the NFL's top offensive lines. With the support of teammates and the coach, the veteran center appears well-positioned to become an important piece of the Lions' offense heading into the 2026 season.
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Written by
Hetal Moleshri
Edited by
Zaid Quraishi