Time and time again, general manager Joe Douglas has shown that he is building the New York Jets his way. He held out on trading disgruntled safety Jamal Adams until the right offer came across. With no trade offers, he respectfully cut running back Le’Veon Bell, allowing him to join a contender in the Kansas City Chiefs, while also saving a significant amount of money for next off-season. And above all, he is ushering in a new era of Jets football. One that features a team built through success in the draft and without overpaying free agents.
Currently, the Jets project to have the second-most cap space this off-season. However, it is highly unlikely Douglas spends big on anyone. For the Jets, their free-agent class is full of a handful of young and unproven talent. But also a few players who recently have established themselves as potential building blocks going forward. On that note, safety Marcus Maye’s rookie contract is up at the end of the season, and one might wonder will Maye be back with the team in 2021? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons…
Should the New York Jets Extend Marcus Maye?
Before Dawning Green and White
Prior to being drafted by the Jets, Marcus Maye was at Florida, recruited as a four-star safety per ESPN. He has always been a long and athletic player, with the ability to play both safety spots. From 2013-2016, Maye established himself as one of the best in the country at his position. By the time his time at Florida came to a close, he wracked over 200 tackles, with five interceptions and six forced fumbles. Simply put – Maye was a game-changer. And that is why the New York Jets selected Maye in the second round.
Maye’s Career to Date
From the very start, Maye was viewed as the number two. First at Florida playing alongside former Pro Bowl Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal until 2015. Then again with the Jets and fellow 2017 selection Jamal Adams. Nevertheless, Maye stepped in right away, playing free safety, given that Adams was the versatile box/strong safety hybrid.
While Adams was the vocal leader who made plays at the line of scrimmage, Maye did all the dirty work in the secondary. After a spotty rookie season, Maye has since averaged a 76.1 grade from PFF since 2018. After spending his first three seasons alongside Adams, a deal sending Adams to the Seattle Seahawks allowed Maye to slide to strong safety. And through nine starts this season, he has one interception, one forced fumble, four deflections, two sacks, and 51 tackles. Simply put, few players have been as consistent as Maye since he suited up in Gotham Green.
Potential Contract
While his contract will not reset the market, he deserves a solid contract, nonetheless. He has started every game played for the Jets, and aside from his second year, has never missed time with an injury. Through all the turmoil surrounding the team over his career, he has been a respected locker room presence and one that any team would love to have as a leader. Only 28 years old next season, Maye’s price range, barring he continues to play the way he has, should be around $8-to-$10 million per year.
Last Word on Should the New York Jets Extend Marcus Maye
In a brutal 2020 season, Marcus Maye has been one of the few bright spots for the Jets. A player who plays hard every down, week in and week out, Maye is precisely the type of player the Jets should be building around. As one of the better safeties in the league, he deserves a contract that reflects that. Having traded Adams last off-season and having rookie Ashtyn Davis hopefully at free safety going forward, it makes sense to entertain a long-term deal for Maye. That being said, the question becomes does Douglas see Maye as part of his vision for the Jets rebuild?
