report: jets likely to use Franchise tag on safety marcus maye

According to sources close to SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano, the New York Jets are expected to place the franchise tag on soon to be fifth year safety out of Florida. This is the first time using the designation on a player since 2014 when they decided to tag their kicker, Nick Folk.

Once the season was over, the likelihood that this day would come was high. Maye, coming off his best statistical season, ended 2020 setting or tying a career high in tackles (88), pass deflections (11), interceptions (2), forced fumbles (2), tackles for loss (4) and sacks (2). As you can see, that’s practically every major statistical category for safeties. He not only played his normal part in Gregg Williams defense as the deep man, but filled in for Jamal Adams in the box, as well. Being the do it all man in the secondary, Maye also earned his highest PFF grade of his career with an 82.9 grade; ranking 4th among all safeties.

Playing at such a high level in a lost season goes to show the type of player and person Marcus Maye is. He never showed any problem in or out of the locker and became the leader the team desperately needed after trading Jamal Adams and Steve McClendon. While he may not be viewed as a “top flight safety” around the league, the 28 year old (on March 9th) will be well worth the 10-11 million dollar tag for one year. It remains to be seen if Maye gets or wants a long term deal with the team, but going into year one with Head Coach Robert Saleh, this was a must for Joe Douglas. 

If both sides want to get something done, it would be best for the Jets to lock him up before March 17, when the NFL’s new league year officially starts. This free agency class includes names like Justin Simmons, Marcus Williams and Anthony Harris, and if any of them hit the open market in two weeks, they could potentially raise the price tag for what Maye will be looking for. But if they do not figure something out, it’s a good thing the Jets have the second most cap space in the entire NFL.