New York Jets 2015 Training Camp Profile: Joe Mays

By Paul Newbold | Jul 23, 2015

In case you might have missed it with the New York Jets, or perhaps you forgot, general manager Mike Maccagnan signed veteran linebacker Joe Mays on April 13, 2015. Mays played his college football for North Dakota State. He entered the NFL as a sixth round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2008 NFL Draft. Mays has struggled to find a long time home in the NFL as the Jets make this his 5th team in 8 years.

Mays was inactive most of his rookie season, only appearing in the Eagles’ final two games. His second year found Mays in a competition for injured linebacker Stewart Bradley‘s spot. Mays was the heir apparent, but was beat out for the spot, spelling the end of Mays’ tenure with the Eagles.

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Mays was traded to the Denver Broncos prior in the 201o season. He played three seasons for the Broncos, appearing in 34 games while recording 106 solo tackles and 130 combined tackles. In three years with Denver, Mays was credited with a half sack. He was fined by the NFL and suspended for one game in 2012 for a hit he laid on quarterback Matt Schaub of the Houston Texans at the time.

The Texans ironically signed Mays to a one-year deal in 2013. He appeared in 14 games for the Texans, putting up 67 combined tackles, 42 solo tackles and was credited with his only solo sack of his career to date.

Last season found Mays on the move once again, this time landing in Kansas City with the Chiefs. Mays appeared in only 8 games with the Chiefs, posting 20 tackles, 8 of which were solo.

Mays is going into his 8th season this year with the Jets. He is now 30 years old and it would appear, he is in the twilight of his career. He’ll have his shot to make this roster this summer, but it may be a long fight to get that done. His spot might be on special teams, if the Jets didn’t have some younger linebackers that they would like to keep.

Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Joe Mays (53) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chiefs 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

I see Mays as a long shot to make the final roster. He’s here to compete and he’ll get a chance to impress Todd Bowles and the rest of his coaching staff. We’ll certainly keep an eye on him as camp begins next week as I wish him luck.

The Jet Press wants to hear your take on Mays. Does he make the final roster? Where do you think he fits on the Jets? As always, please leave us a comment below and Let’s Talk Jet Football!!

Next: New York Jets: All or nothing in 2015

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