On July 25th, the New York Jets finally dealt disgruntled All-Pro safety Jamal Adams. The former 2017 first-round pick wanted a new deal, but general manager Joe Douglas was not ready to give it. Therefore, Adams forced his way out, and ended up joining a contender in the Seattle Seahawks. The Jets received an absolute haul in return to help towards their rebuild.
Meanwhile, with all of this happening, safety Marcus Maye, the Jets’ 2017 second-round pick, worked in the background. Known as a quiet leader, Maye simply watched as the drama took place. And just like that, he saw his running mate head to the west coast.
And now, the two are set to reunite Sunday at Lumen Field as the 8-4 Seahawks host the 0-12 Jets.
New York Jets, Marcus Maye to Reunite with Jamal Adams on Sunday
Back to Where It All Started
Entering the 2017 NFL Draft, the New York Jets were beginning yet another rebuild. The team selected Adams, a physical safety from LSU, fourth overall. It was a great start, that came with a bit of a surprise the following evening when they took Maye 39th overall. Nobody expected then-general manager Mike Maccagnan to draft two safeties with his first two picks.
But it paid off.
Right away, their leadership and talent jumped out. Adams was a physical strong safety and vocal leader, while Maye brought quiet leadership and versatility to the free safety position. Both saw mixed results in their rookie seasons, though developed as the year went on. Adams played everywhere on the field, the box and deep, yet showed lapses in coverage. The same goes for Maye. Nevertheless, both showed that they could become one of the best safety duos in the league sooner than later.
The Rise of “Prez” Adams
Come year two, the pair already took steps to become among the best at their positions. Adams made significant strides in coverage on his way to the Pro Bowl, with his first career pick and 12 deflections. He also posted 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 115 total tackles. Just like that, Adams put himself in the best safety in the league conversation.
As for Maye, year two went a little differently for the Florida product. He got his third career pick, had two deflections and 34 total tackles in six games. Maye missed time battling a foot injury at the start of the season and then suffered what wound up a season-ending shoulder injury.
Then came year three, when things began to change. The Jets brought in Adam Gase as head coach and Joe Douglas at general manager. It was a new era, that got off to a rough start. Adams’ name came up at the deadline, starting the fractured relationship between the star safety and organization.
On the field, the duo continued to dominate. Adams started 14 games, totaling 75 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and forcing two fumbles on his way to his second Pro Bowl and first All-Pro honor. Maye finished another productive season, staying healthy with 65 tackles, seven deflections, and one interception.
Even though the Jets picked up Adams’ third-year option, it was not enough. He wanted a new deal, reflecting not only as the best safety in the league, but one of the top defenders. Yet Douglas and company had a vision, one that would not include paying Adams before the 2020 season. That being said, Adams demanded a trade, and the rest is history.
Marcus Maye, Jamal Adams, And The 2020 Season
Starting with Jamal Adams, the new Seahawk star has dealt with a handful of ups and downs this year. He missed four weeks with a groin injury and has also dealt with shoulder issues too. He also has seen his rookie year coverage issues return, as he owns a 50.2 grade in coverage per PFF. Nonetheless, he remains a one-man wrecking crew in the box, with a career-high 7.5 sacks, and eight of his 58 tackles coming for a loss. What is most impressive is that those numbers come in just eight games.
Back at MetLife Stadium, Marcus Maye is enjoying a career year in the final year of his rookie deal. He has a career-high nine pass deflections, one interception, and ranks sixth among safeties in coverage. Maye has also stepped up in helping replace Adams’ impact in the box too. He has 61 tackles, two sacks, and two forced fumbles on the season. He also has a 79.3 overall grade, which is the fourth highest of all safeties.
While doing so in different ways, both safeties have made a statement in 2020. One that will certainly come with a nice payday this off-season.
This Sunday, Jets and Seahawks fans will see two stud safeties playing on defense. Both have established themselves as two of the best in the business, and it will be exciting to watch. Who knows what could have been if they remained together, but one thing for sure is they must be looking forward to seeing each other at Lumen Field.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
