This off-season, the New York Jets have a lot of building to do. The team has cap space galore on top of tons of draft capital. Gang Green is in need of playmakers on offense, a somewhat retooled offensive line, and defensive adjustments for their new 4-3 scheme. For general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh, all of that is easier said than done. What is rather easy though is determining what to do with safety Marcus Maye. Coming off of a career season, Maye is set to hit the market and demand quite the contract. Or maybe not.
The New York Jets must do whatever it takes to keep Maye in Gotham Green in 2021. He is a leader, a playmaker, and arguably their best player on the defensive side of the football. And the Jets cannot simply let him walk. That being said, the Jets have no choice but to try to extend or even franchise tag Maye.
Impact of Marcus Maye Potentially Getting Franchise Tagged by New York Jets
Impact on Cap Space
For the Jets, the first thing to take into consideration is what Maye’s potential tag or extension may have on their cap space. Currently, the Jets sit at just under $68-million per Over The Cap. This coming prior to the possible cuts of players such as Henry Anderson, Alex Lewis, amongst many others.
Taking a look simply from the financial standpoint, placing the franchise tag on Maye is a safe option. The expectation is that the tag would command about $11.2-million, giving Maye a significant raise and the ability to hit the market after next season. It also will allow the Jets to make sure he can carry over his production into Saleh’s defense.
At the same time, the Jets should look to sign Maye long-term, before considering the franchise tag. While the salary cap has dropped this past season, the market remains unpredictable, and players are still going to demand high-priced deals. Currently, the top five safeties in the league make an average of $14-million per year, a price that Maye certainly would love to aim for. Of course, who knows if Douglas is going to want to spend so much cap on a safety, but at the end of the day, the Jets must keep Maye.
Impact on Team
This past season, Maye was voted by the team as their Most Valuable Player in 2020. He is their leader both on and off the field, and the Jets, who are likely to see yet another roster overturn this off-season, need some stability.
With Maye here, at least for 2021, the Jets keep their top defensive back. Currently, the roster is constructed that Maye would run safety alongside 2020 third-round pick Ashtyn Davis. The team also could use his experience to support a cornerback unit that could see promising 2020 fifth-round pick Bryce Hall earning a starting spot.
Simply put, what Maye brings to the table is a “top five or 10” safety in the league, according to an NFL Scout. Given New York’s young roster, the Jets must keep Maye running the defensive back end.
Impact on Marcus Maye
The biggest impact on anyone in this situation is Marcus Maye. Chances are, he wants a long-term deal, and who can blame him. He just had a fantastic year and is about to turn 28. Again, Gang Green’s goal here should be to sign Maye long-term. However, the franchise tag remains a strong option.
The Jets would keep their defensive leader for at least 2021, as he will help the transition into their new defensive scheme. It would be the first time in Maye’s pro career he would play in the 4-3, and the Jets would be making sure he continues to produce in the new scheme. Nonetheless, Maye would be 29 then when he can hit the market again in 2022, and his value stands higher than ever at this moment. He is going to want to capitalize on that.
Lastly is the most unlikely outcome – Maye walks. In theory, he can get the massive deal he deserves. Yet with the unpredictable cap situation and a safety class of Justin Simmons, Marcus Williams, and more, it may not be the smart play. Thus, remaining with New York is the best outcome for both sides, whether franchise tag or extension.
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