Nearly 15 months ago, Jets general manager Joe Douglas traded Jamal Adams to the Seahawks. Now, another of his high-priced safeties prefers a similar fate. With no long-term contract in sight, fifth-year veteran Marcus Maye would welcome a trade to a contender ahead of 2021’s in-season deadline on Nov. 2. That’s according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who reported this week that the former second-round pick is a “prime player to watch” as the deadline approaches.
Playing under the franchise tag this year, the 28-year-old Maye will make $10.6 million through 2021, giving him nearly a top-10 salary at his position. But he and the Jets have reportedly struggled to come close to a long-term extension, as was the case with Adams, his former fellow safety, leading to speculation of a potential trade. Unlike Adams, who was a two-time All-Pro at the time of his deal — netting the Jets a package of picks that included two first-rounders — Maye doesn’t boast a Pro Bowl resume but has been a steady presence at the back end of New York’s secondary for the past four-plus years.
Maye logged a career-high 88 tackles in 16 starts for the Jets in 2020 and has contributed as a pass rusher this year, with two tackles for loss and one sack through five games. He’s intercepted six total passes since entering the NFL.
According to Fowler, the Buccaneers and Rams could be among suitors for Maye, should Douglas listen to offers ahead of the deadline. Todd Bowles, who oversees Tampa Bay’s defense, coached Maye in New York and could be hungry for help in a banged-up secondary. Los Angeles, meanwhile, has always been aggressive about veteran additions and could be looking for its own added depth for a potential playoff run.
The Zach Wilson era has arrived! Don’t miss any New York Jets headlines by downloading the CBS Sports app for the latest headlines and analysis. If you already have the CBS Sports app, don’t forget to favorite the Jets so you never miss a piece of Gang Green news.
