The lingering question in the aftermath of Marcus Maye's DUI-arrest revelation is, how will it impact his future with the Jets? Short answer: It moves him one step closer to the door.
The Jets didn't sign him to a long-term extension last offseason, resulting in the franchise tag, so why would anyone think they would give him a big deal in 2022 when he will be a year older (29) and facing a possible league suspension? They didn't think he was worth top-tier safety money during the last negotiating period, and that was before they knew about the arrest.
They could franchise him again (for $12.7 million) if he plays well after returning from his ankle injury, but that wouldn't sit well with Maye's side and could trigger a trade request. It could be the Jamal Adams situation all over again.
They could try a tag-and-trade, but the "arrest affects his trade value because he could be facing a suspension," one agent said. "He's an older safety who will now miss some games. Why wouldn't the Jets just let him walk in March to get a compensatory pick (in 2023)?" It's also worth noting any guaranteed money in a new deal could be voided by a suspension, which could complicate contract negotiations for the Jets or another team.
What about an in-season trade before the Nov. 2 deadline?
It can't be ruled out, especially if the Jets (1-3) fall out of contention. General manager Joe Douglas isn't opposed to dealing pending free agents for future assets, as we saw last season after he dealt Avery Williamson and Steve McLendon. In this case, the possible suspension wouldn't be a deterrent for potential suitors because discipline wouldn't be handed down until 2022. The obstacle would be his salary -- a guaranteed $10.6 million. By Nov. 2, he will be owed about $6 million.
With that price tag, the Jets wouldn't get much in a trade. They'd be better off waiting until the offseason.
Naturally, the Jets aren't happy about the arrest, but what really has to irk them is that Maye hid it from them for seven months. That, too, is grounds for discipline, according to league policy.
Coach Robert Saleh stopped short of issuing a public rebuke, saying the organization supports Maye. The arrest happened on Saleh's watch, but he said he won't hold it against Maye because it was before he had a chance to meet him and get to know him. That's easy for the coach to say now, but you can bet the front office will weigh it when deciding if they want to recommit to the player.
Six weeks after the arrest, Maye was stopped for speeding and driving with a suspended license (due to the alleged DUI) in Orange County, Florida, as northjersey.com first reported. The speeding citation was dismissed and the latter charge was knocked down to a non-criminal infraction. The Jets didn't know about that, either.
Maye is a good player and a well-respected teammate, but there are other factors in play. They point to Maye playing elsewhere in 2022.
The Jets didn't sign him to a long-term extension last offseason, resulting in the franchise tag, so why would anyone think they would give him a big deal in 2022 when he will be a year older (29) and facing a possible league suspension? They didn't think he was worth top-tier safety money during the last negotiating period, and that was before they knew about the arrest.
They could franchise him again (for $12.7 million) if he plays well after returning from his ankle injury, but that wouldn't sit well with Maye's side and could trigger a trade request. It could be the Jamal Adams situation all over again.
They could try a tag-and-trade, but the "arrest affects his trade value because he could be facing a suspension," one agent said. "He's an older safety who will now miss some games. Why wouldn't the Jets just let him walk in March to get a compensatory pick (in 2023)?" It's also worth noting any guaranteed money in a new deal could be voided by a suspension, which could complicate contract negotiations for the Jets or another team.
What about an in-season trade before the Nov. 2 deadline?
It can't be ruled out, especially if the Jets (1-3) fall out of contention. General manager Joe Douglas isn't opposed to dealing pending free agents for future assets, as we saw last season after he dealt Avery Williamson and Steve McLendon. In this case, the possible suspension wouldn't be a deterrent for potential suitors because discipline wouldn't be handed down until 2022. The obstacle would be his salary -- a guaranteed $10.6 million. By Nov. 2, he will be owed about $6 million.
With that price tag, the Jets wouldn't get much in a trade. They'd be better off waiting until the offseason.
Naturally, the Jets aren't happy about the arrest, but what really has to irk them is that Maye hid it from them for seven months. That, too, is grounds for discipline, according to league policy.
Coach Robert Saleh stopped short of issuing a public rebuke, saying the organization supports Maye. The arrest happened on Saleh's watch, but he said he won't hold it against Maye because it was before he had a chance to meet him and get to know him. That's easy for the coach to say now, but you can bet the front office will weigh it when deciding if they want to recommit to the player.
Six weeks after the arrest, Maye was stopped for speeding and driving with a suspended license (due to the alleged DUI) in Orange County, Florida, as northjersey.com first reported. The speeding citation was dismissed and the latter charge was knocked down to a non-criminal infraction. The Jets didn't know about that, either.
Maye is a good player and a well-respected teammate, but there are other factors in play. They point to Maye playing elsewhere in 2022.
