Before NFL free agency began last month, the Carolina Panthers made an interesting decision on the offensive line, tendering backup center Cade Mays and re-signing veteran center Austin Corbett to a one-year, $3 million contract extension.
The Panthers’ offensive line was much improved last season, thanks to the play of Corbett and Mays at center, along with the new additions of Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. The 29-year-old Corbett, who played guard, won the starting center job in the preseason and played in five games before suffering a season-ending biceps injury.
After Corbett went down, the Panthers turned the starting center job over to Brady Christensen and then to Mays, who played well over the rest of the season. The former sixth-round draft pick rejoined the Panthers in October after he was signed to the New York Giants practice squad in September. Mays was among the Panthers’ final cuts ahead of the 53-man roster deadline.
According to PFF, the 25-year-old lineman had an outstanding 74.9 pass-blocking grade (ninth among 64th eligible centers) and was solid in run-blocking with a 66.9 grade (22nd). He also didn’t allow a sack and was only penalized five times.
Based on Mays’ performance last year and Corbett’s inability to stay healthy over the last two years (nine games in total played), it makes sense why Panthers head coach Dave Canales is looking forward to a competition.
#Panthers HC Dave Canales wants this roster to feel uncomfortable.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) April 7, 2025
He wants better depth and competition in Year 2.
That’s why he’s looking forward to a legitimate offseason battle between Cade Mays and Austin Corbett:https://t.co/WxSULjFhkU
"It’s really cool, because we played competitive football with Cade Mays at center. I had high hopes for Corbett, coming into the (2024) season, and he showed the leadership capabilities and communication style that I’m looking for — the toughness and all that. So, all of sudden, you have this really cool competition with two guys you feel great about at the center position."Dave Canales
No matter the sport, the best ability is availability, which has not worked in Corbett’s favor lately. However, the veteran lineman has more playing experience than Mays, which gives him a slight edge, and it showed in Corbett winning the job last summer in preseason.
However, Mays is four years younger than Corbett, which could work with the Panthers’ timeline as they continue to build around Bryce Young. That said, Carolina isn’t in a bad spot. We see it every year in the NFL, you can never have too many quality offensive linemen because injuries will happen.
Nonetheless, Corbett will get another chance to prove he can be a starter. Last season, he had a 64.7 pass blocking and a 59.3 run blocking grade, according to PFF. It’s a solid starting point, but his health needs to hold up.