The New York Jets started off the pre-free agency period with a bang. The team is franchise-tagging FS Marcus Maye. The tag is worth $10.5 million and the two sides ha
ve until July 15 to work out a long-term deal.
The move will keep the one-time impending free agent from exploring the open market. The last time the Jets used the franchise tag was in 2014 on kicker Nick Folk.
SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano has been reporting on these franchise tag rumors for a few weeks now. This transaction should not come as a surprise for anyone. General manager Joe Douglas stated that keeping Marcus Maye was “one of our priorities of our offseason”.
Maye had a stellar year in 2020. He recorded 88 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery to go along with two sacks.
The fourth-year safety struggled early on in the season due to not being in his natural role on defense. Regardless, Maye cleaned up his play and also managed to play all 16 games. I guess those injury concerns are wiped away.
It seems as though the Jets are starting the offseason on the right foot by prioritizing their franchise safety. The Jets have more things to do in the road ahead.