The Jets have already done a lot to re-shape their secondary this offseason. Now, the next tweak could include moving 2017 second-round pick Marcus Maye.
Joe Douglas fielded trade offers for Maye this offseason and over the past year, according to the Daily News’ Manish Mehta. Mehta added that Adam Gase wanted to trade Maye as soon as the Jets hired him in early 2019.
Maye formed a tenacious tandem with fellow safety Jamal Adams when the two were drafted in consecutive rounds in 2017, but his injury history and the selection of Ashtyn Davis in the third round of the 2020 draft could signal the end of Maye’s time in New York. Davis is a dynamic — albeit raw — prospect who could initially be a gadget player in Gregg Williams’ defense but has the potential to be a starter at deep safety – his preferred position.
That could leave Maye the odd man out as early as next season when his rookie contract expires, especially with the team and Adams talking an extension. The Jets could be looking to trade Maye earlier, though, to recoup assets in case he gets injured in 2020 or so they won’t have to wait for a compensatory pick. Maye has one year left on his rookie contract that will pay him only $1,358,733 in 2020 with a $2,085,378 cap hit.
Maye rebounded in 2019 after an injury-filled 2018 season and played in all 16 games. He finished with 65 combined tackles, one interception and a career-high seven pass breakups.
The Jets have an intriguing choice on their hands. The trio of Adams, Maye and Davis could prove to be fun for Williams’ defense given Adams’ and Davis’ ability to play all over the field. But if a team offers the Jets a solid package for Maye, Douglas likely won’t shy away from making a deal and adding more pieces to his new roster.