The Houston Texans faced a setback in their free agency plans early during the league’s tampering period, as Cade Mays, a heavily pursued center from the Carolina Panthers, signed with the Detroit Lions. The deal, announced on March 9, 2026, is a three-year contract worth $25 million, including $14 million guaranteed, making Mays the Lions’ new starting center.
This development forces the Texans to reconsider their approach to bolstering the center position, turning their attention to veteran options still available in free agency. With notable centers off the market, Houston’s choices are narrowing as they attempt to reinforce their offensive line.
Overview of Recent Center Signings Across the NFL
Cade Mays’s agreement with Detroit joins several key center contracts sealed by other teams. Tyler Biadasz recently committed to the Los Angeles Chargers, Connor McGovern secured a lucrative deal with the Buffalo Bills, and Tyler Linderbaum signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. These signings have considerably reduced options for teams like the Texans seeking experienced centers.
Evaluating Jordan Meredith as a Potential Fit for Houston
One free-agent center who stands out as a possible acquisition for the Texans is Jordan Meredith from the Las Vegas Raiders. Although Meredith‘s name might not immediately generate excitement, his experience and availability present some appeal for Houston’s roster needs.
Meredith, originally an undrafted free agent, spent last season playing behind one of the NFL’s weakest offensive lines. The Raiders have since replaced him, making Meredith available after four years with the team. Despite a grading by Pro Football Focus (PFF) that ranked him 32nd out of 40 centers with a 57.7 overall score and one of the bottom-tier pass-blocking marks, Meredith’s career durability and experience provide value in this market.
Meredith’s 2025 season was cut short by a significant ankle injury that led to his placement on injured reserve after starting 11 games. However, across the last three seasons, he has accumulated 20 starts with the Raiders, showcasing a level of reliability that some other free-agent centers lack.
Risk Comparison with Other Available Veteran Centers
Houston’s other potential targets, such as Lloyd Cushenberry and Ethan Pocic, both wrestle with the implications of recent Achilles tendon injuries. Such health uncertainties make those veterans higher-risk investments for teams aiming to improve stability on the offensive interior line.
In contrast, Meredith does not carry the same injury risks heading into the upcoming season, which could make him a pragmatic, short-term addition for the Texans. Acquiring him on a team-friendly contract would allow him to compete with incumbent Jake Andrews for the starting center role. Even if Meredith is not the immediate starter by Week One, his presence offers competition and depth.
Possible Future Directions for Houston’s Center Position
While free agency remains an option, Houston may prefer targeting a center prospect in the upcoming draft with a day-two selection. This approach would inject younger talent and longer-term potential into their offensive line, which could be more beneficial over time than relying solely on veteran free agents.
Still, if general manager Nick Caserio and the Texans’ front office decide to bring in an experienced player to challenge the center spot, Meredith presents one of the best fits currently available. His combination of experience, health, and affordability make him a viable candidate to address Houston’s center needs for the 2026 season.
Cade Mays to #Lions three years, $25M, 14M fully guaranteed per league sources.Represented by Octagon Sports @Octagon
— Aaron Wilson, NFL Insider
Cade Mays to #Lions three years, $25M, 14M fully guaranteed per league sources.
Represented by Octagon Sports @Octagon— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 9, 2026
