Marcus Maye is an outstanding safety and the 43rd-ranked overall free agent on Pro Football Network’s Top 50 Free Agents list. What sort of contract could Maye land during free agency, and what are his notable stats and accolades?
Marcus Maye: Free Agency Overview
Maye’s free agency market is clouded a bit by his health status after tearing his Achilles tendon in November. He’ll need to prove he’s healthy, but obviously, there’s so much upside that he will still do well because of his range and skills.
Recapping Maye’s 2021 season
It was a rough year for Maye. Due to his Achilles tear, he was limited to six starts. He finished the 2021 campaign with no interceptions, 46 tackles, 1 sack, and 4 tackles for loss.
It was down from his usual career production. In his five years in the league, Maye has produced 312 tackles, 6 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, 9 tackles for loss, and 1 fumble recovery.
Maye’s contract estimate and salary cap implications
One estimate from Spotrac has Maye slated for a four-year, $53.2 million contract this offseason. That would be a great payday for Maye after such a serious injury. Last season, he played under a $10.6 million franchise tender.
Possible landing spots for Maye
The Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, and Chicago Bears all make sense for Maye, who is not expected to return to the Jets. However, nearly every team could benefit from his range and skill set in the secondary, so he shouldn’t lack suitors.
What they’re saying about Maye
“Marcus was kind of that settling force back there and obviously a heck of a football player. I’m more concerned for Marcus than I am what we’ll do defensively to try to fill that void because he’s a fantastic young man, he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do, and I’m sick for him.” — Jets head coach Robert Saleh after Maye injured his Achilles
“They know me. Once I’m in the building, I’m all go. I don’t think there’s a trust issue from my end and stuff like that. They know I’m 100% with these guys every time I step on the field and walk in the building.” — Maye, when asked if he wanted to be traded last season