NFL safety Marcus Maye has signed a new contract with the New Orleans Saints for three years worth $28.5 million. The veteran has spent the first five seasons of his pro career with the New York Jets.
It’s a three-year, $28.5 million deal with $15 million guaranteed for Marcus Maye with the #Saints, per source. A big move on the same day Marcus Williams left for Baltimore. https://t.co/eI1KouSGm1
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2022
Marcus Maye, New Orleans Saints, Agree to Contract
Coming into the 2021 season, there were high expectations for Marcus Maye. Having established himself as one of the better safeties in the NFL, Jets fans were excited to see what he had to offer in year one under new Head Coach Robert Saleh. Except, things don’t always go as planned. Maye struggled in coverage and ultimately saw his season end abruptly after six games due to a torn Achilles. All while playing under the franchise tag. Nonetheless, Maye was the leader of the Jets young secondary this past season when healthy. Maye posted 46 total tackles (four for a loss), two pass deflections, and a sack in 362 defensive snaps. But to understand the upside Maye has when healthy, one needs to look back at his career to date…
Marcus Maye was drafted with the 39th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and immediately joined fellow rookie Jamal Adams as the team’s starting safeties. After a promising rookie year, Maye’s second season was also limited to six games due to injury. Over his first two seasons, Maye flashed the athleticism and coverage ability New York desperately needed. Between 2019-2020, Maye established himself as one of the better safeties in the game. He started all 32 games played, totaling 153 tackles, 18 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, two sacks, and three interceptions. In other words, a healthy Marcus Maye is a legitimate playmaker in the backend of a defense.
Being a free agent coming off a franchise tag and a torn Achilles is less than ideal for any NFL player. Yet, for the 29-year-old safety, it gives him the opportunity for a bounce-back season. At 6’0” and 207-pounds, Maye offers versatility, being capable of playing both safety positions, as well as lining up in the box. It goes without saying that Maye will need to stay healthy, but the former Florida Gator has plenty left to offer.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
