Marcus Maye is looking for a new deal, the Jets are telling us how much they love him. Does any of this sound familiar?
The Jets used the franchise tag on their star safety. The move means the 28-year old would be paid $11 million this season, per reports. It also means Maye’s goal of long-term security would be put on hold for at least another year.
Use of the franchise tag needed to be done by Tuesday, March 9.
Maye, up for a new contract, appeared headed for free agency. So, the decision to tag Maye also gives the Jets until July 15 to negotiate a long-term deal with him.
Jets’ general manager Joe Douglas said re-signing Maye was a priority this offseason. Maye’s agent, Erik Burkhardt, however, has expressed frustration on behalf of his client that a deal hasn’t been reached yet.
Maye is coming off his best pro season with two interceptions, 11 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and two sacks. He also emerged as a team leader in the locker room.
We saw how this turned out last year when another talented young Jets’ safety, and team leader, made it clear it was time to either get paid or move on.
Maye and Jamal Adams arrived at the same time in 2017, in the draft. Adams, the No. 6 overall pick, instantly became an impact player for the Jets. Maye was selected in the second round, with the 39th overall pick, and formed a lethal 1-2 punch with Adams in the secondary.
Conflict with the team’s management ultimately led to Adams being traded away last summer to Seattle. The Jets were able to acquire first- and third-round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. They also acquired a first-round selection in the 2022 Draft.
The Adams trade netted a huge return for the Jets. However, it originated with an unhappy team leader and young talent; feeling as if his team was not going to take care of it’s best player.
In what’s considered a pivotal offseason for the Jets, it’s imperative for Douglas to avoid a similar conclusion with Maye.
The team has a new head coach, new coaching staff, and a total of nine picks in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft. They also, with a healthy salary cap, have multiple positions to address in free agency.
What they don’t need is to have contract negotiations with Maye become contentious like last year with Adams.
By deciding to tag Maye, Douglas and the Jets can keep those negotiations going into the summer, if needed. If they can’t make a deal, they at least have Maye paid for 2021 with the option of revisiting contract talks after the season.
Image: Marcus Maye – AP
Image: Marcus Maye and Jamal Adams – AP Photo/Adam Hunger
