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 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. He earned a Second-team All-SEC selection at the end of the 2021 season by the AP and league coaches.
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.
On September 10, 2024, Mays was signed to the New York Giants practice squad.
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.
On March 9, 2026, Mays signed with the Detroit Lions on a three-year contract worth $25 million.
His brother, Cooper, also played center for Tennessee.