Former Tennessee Vols offensive lineman Cade Mays finds himself in an unexpected situation this offseason. A sixth round selection by the Carolina Panthers in the 2022 NFL Draft, Mays had an inconsistent beginning to his NFL career.
From Practice Squad to Starting Centre
Mays, who began his college career with the Georgia Bulldogs before transferring, started in seven games over his first two seasons in the NFL. The Panthers released Mays ahead of the 2024 season. He then briefly joined the New York Giants’ practice squad before going back to Carolina in the middle of the 2024 season.
In 2024, Mays started eight games for the Panthers. This past season, Mays started 12 games at center for Carolina.
Free Agency and Potential Payday
Mays is about to enter free agency this week and is likely to receive a significant contract. NFL executives recently named the Knoxville native a “sleeper free agent”.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have suggested that Mays could be in line for a deal that pays him $8 million annually. They noted the center market is thin.
- Mays could make $8 million per year on a new deal.
- If Mays receives a deal worth $8 million, it would place him among the top 10 paid centers in the league.
That’s quite impressive for a player that was hanging out on multiple practice squads as recently as 2024.
Top 10 Potential
If Mays receives a deal worth $8 million, it would place him among the top 10 paid centers in the league.
If a bidding war erupts, Mays might even earn a deal that pays him around $10 million annually. Either way, the former Vol is going to get paid this offseason.