Marcus Maye will be on hand for the start of the Jets’ three-day minicamp, via SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano. It’s a promising sign for Gang Green and their star safety, who is pushing for a new deal.
The Jets cuffed Maye earlier this year with a franchise tender worth $10.61M. Meanwhile, he wants an extension (and a sizable pay bump). There’s mutual interest there, but there’s been little news on that front in recent months. Even though Maye might be frustrated with the progress, he won’t hold out during the mandatory period.
The Jets drafted two safeties — Auburn’s Jamien Sherwood in Round 5 and Florida State’s Hamsah Nasirildeen in Round 6 — in April. Meanwhile, there’s also 2020 third-round pick Ashtyn Davis and veteran Lamarcus Joyner, who is shifting from cornerback back to safety. The Jets needed the depth, but they’re also bracing themselves for the possibility of life without Maye.
Maye’s asking price jumped this year when the Broncos made Justin Simmons the NFL’s first $15M-per-year safety. Several other safeties are also signed to deals worth $14M+ per year. Maye has yet to make a Pro Bowl, but he graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 5 safety last season. He also has youth on his side, having just turned 28.
Maye, a four-year starter for the Jets, finished last year with 88 stops, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
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