The Jets have 18 days to sign safety Marcus Maye to a contract extension or else he will play the season on the franchise tag ($10.6 million), setting up a likely departure in 2022. For a couple of reasons, this is a litmus-test negotiation for the organization, which has trouble retaining its homegrown talent (see: Jamal Adams, Sam Darnold and Leonard Williams.)
Adams wanted out, in part, because he didn't like the culture. The Jets, under new coach Robert Saleh, have made progress in that area. They added some quality players in free agency, fueling the positive momentum. It would dampen the mood if they can't strike an agreement with Maye, a captain and team MVP in 2020.
This is a big one for general manager Joe Douglas, who has yet to complete a splashy contract extension. (Sorry, I'm not counting tight end Ryan Griffin and guard Alex Lewis.) Maye would be a good place to start. The former second-round pick is the longest-tenured player on the team and is well-respected in the locker room.
What is a fair price? There are two perspectives.
The Jets probably see it this way: Based on experience and production, Maye's contract should be in line with that of Cleveland Browns safety John Johnson, who hit free agency in March and signed for three years, $33.75 million -- $11.25 million per year. The contract includes a $20 million guarantee.
Johnson and Maye, both drafted in 2017, have similar career numbers.
Maye: 54 games, 6 interceptions, 22 passes defensed, 4 forced fumbles and 2.5 sacks.
Johnson: 54 games, 8 interceptions, 32 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble and no sacks.
Chances are, Maye is looking for something in the neighborhood of $14 million per year, an APY that would put him in a tie for fifth among safeties. He can argue he's entitled to that much because, by definition, a franchise tag is the average of the top five salaries at the position. The bar was raised recently by the Denver Broncos' Justin Simmons ($15.25 million APY), and it will go higher when Adams lands his extension from the Seattle Seahawks.
If there's one thing we've learned about Douglas in two years, it's that he's a hard-line negotiator. It's tough to keep players who don't want to be there, and it's tough to keep players who overprice themselves. That will change when/if they become a desirable place. Maybe the worm will turn with Maye.
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Adams wanted out, in part, because he didn't like the culture. The Jets, under new coach Robert Saleh, have made progress in that area. They added some quality players in free agency, fueling the positive momentum. It would dampen the mood if they can't strike an agreement with Maye, a captain and team MVP in 2020.
This is a big one for general manager Joe Douglas, who has yet to complete a splashy contract extension. (Sorry, I'm not counting tight end Ryan Griffin and guard Alex Lewis.) Maye would be a good place to start. The former second-round pick is the longest-tenured player on the team and is well-respected in the locker room.
What is a fair price? There are two perspectives.
The Jets probably see it this way: Based on experience and production, Maye's contract should be in line with that of Cleveland Browns safety John Johnson, who hit free agency in March and signed for three years, $33.75 million -- $11.25 million per year. The contract includes a $20 million guarantee.
Johnson and Maye, both drafted in 2017, have similar career numbers.
Maye: 54 games, 6 interceptions, 22 passes defensed, 4 forced fumbles and 2.5 sacks.
Johnson: 54 games, 8 interceptions, 32 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble and no sacks.
Chances are, Maye is looking for something in the neighborhood of $14 million per year, an APY that would put him in a tie for fifth among safeties. He can argue he's entitled to that much because, by definition, a franchise tag is the average of the top five salaries at the position. The bar was raised recently by the Denver Broncos' Justin Simmons ($15.25 million APY), and it will go higher when Adams lands his extension from the Seattle Seahawks.
If there's one thing we've learned about Douglas in two years, it's that he's a hard-line negotiator. It's tough to keep players who don't want to be there, and it's tough to keep players who overprice themselves. That will change when/if they become a desirable place. Maybe the worm will turn with Maye.
New York Jets can halt disturbing trend with extension for safety Marcus Maye
A multi-year deal for the respected veteran would continue the good offseason vibes for a team that has struggled to keep its homegrown talent.
