AP source: Jets place franchise tag on safety Marcus Maye
NEW YORK (AP) » A person with direct knowledge of the move says the New York Jets placed the franchise tag on safety Marcus Maye, a steady playmaker and leader with whom the team hopes to work out a long-term deal.
The move Monday night was expected and prevents Maye from becoming an unrestricted free agent when the new league year starts on March 17. NFL teams have until Tuesday at 4 p.m. EST to use the tag on a pending free agent.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team hadn’t announced the move. ESPN first reported the Jets’ plan to use the franchise tag.
The tag for a safety is expected to be worth around $10.5 million this year. By using the franchise tag, the sides have until July 15 to work out a new contract or Maye would have to sign the franchise tag tender to play
in 2021.
Maye, who turns 28 on Tuesday, joins Denver safety Justin Simmons and Washington guard Brandon Scherff as players to be franchise tagged this offseason. He’s also the first Jets player to be tagged since Muhammad Wilkerson in 2016. Wilkerson was signed to a long-term contract later that summer, and that’s the hope for both sides with Maye — whom general manager Joe Douglas said in January would be a top priority for the team this offseason.
The 2017 second-round pick out of Florida has been a key presence on the field and in the locker room since joining the Jets and was voted the team MVP by teammates last season. Maye was second on New York with 78 tackles to go along with two interceptions, two sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a team-leading 11 passes defensed.
Maye also displayed his versatility, playing in coverage as well as close to the line of scrimmage — taking over the role previously held by Jamal Adams. Those qualities would appear to be ideal fits in new Jets coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s defensive scheme.
“Marcus is a valuable member of this organization, someone that started his career here, who’s been a pro’s pro,” Douglas said last week. “Smart, he’s been reliable and he’s provided outstanding leadership. Our plan hasn’t changed.