With Frank Ragnow calling it quits, the Detroit Lions found themselves in a tough spot. They needed a long-term answer at center, and they turned to former Carolina Panther Cade Mays with a three-year, $25 million deal.
Mays suffered a freak wrist injury in training camp and missed the start of the season. He finally returned in Week 7, but he was understandably rusty. He then left the win over the Minnesota Vikings early with an ankle injury.
That's why, with the way Juice Scruggs has played as his replacement, the Lions now find themselves in an interesting situation. They have one too many starting-caliber centers, and they should figure out who to roll with as the November 10 trade deadline approaches.
The Detroit Lions should trade Cade Mays at the deadline
At first glance, most people would argue that this is an easy decision: Let's trade Scruggs. The Lions had already committed to Mays, so why not stick with him and hope that he can stay healthy once and for all?
That said, it might not be that simple. Yes, Mays is signed for the next three seasons, but Scruggs is in the final year of his rookie deal, and they might be able to keep him around for longer and at a more reasonable price.
Even if that's not the case, he's been an amazing fit for their system and scheme, and he's played significantly better than Mays in his limited snaps. If anything, he's earned the right to remain the starter for the remainder of the season.
Mays has already given up two pressures, one sack, and has been called for one penalty despite playing just 68 snaps. Scruggs, on the other hand, has allowed nine pressures and one sack on 391 offensive snaps played. Pro Football Focus gives him a 76.2 grade, the second-highest among 35 eligible centers.
Perhaps center isn't the most premium position, and his trade value might not be as high as one would hope. That said, the Lions would clear some money off their books and get some draft capital by moving on from Mays.
Clearly, this isn't ideal, but that's just the way things go in this line of business. The Lions inadvertently stumbled upon their center of the future, and they must change their plans. They can't afford to waste Scruggs' solid efforts, and Mays' pedigree makes him the most valuable trade asset between the two, even with a more expensive contract.
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